Gleb is a boy's name of Slavic origin, derived from the Old Slavonic word "gleb", which means "spade". It is often associated with the Earth and fertility due to its connection with agricultural tools such as the spade or plow.
The name Gleb has a long history in Eastern European cultures, particularly among Slavic-speaking countries like Russia and Ukraine. In Russian Orthodox tradition, Saint Gleb (also known as Yuri) was a 10th-century prince who chose a life of monasticism over political power. He is revered for his humility, wisdom, and spiritual devotion, and his name is celebrated on October 3rd.
In the past few decades, Gleb has become increasingly popular in Western countries, particularly among parents looking for unique yet meaningful boy's names. Despite its Slavic roots, it has been embraced by people from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its strong, earthy qualities and timeless appeal.
The name Gleb has seen a varied pattern of popularity in the United States over the past two decades, with a total of 162 babies being born with this name since 2003.
From 2003 to 2007, there were relatively fewer births with the name Gleb, with only six births each year in 2003 and 2006, followed by five births in 2007. However, the popularity of this name began to increase starting from 2009, with eight births that year.
The years 2010 to 2015 saw a significant rise in the number of babies named Gleb, with ten births in both 2010 and 2015, and twenty births each in 2013 and 2014. The peak of popularity for this name occurred in 2013 and 2014.
After 2015, the popularity of the name Gleb started to decline slightly but remained relatively stable, with ten births each year from 2016 to 2020, except for five births in 2022. Despite this decrease in popularity, the total number of babies named Gleb over these years remains considerable.
Overall, while the name Gleb has not been among the most popular choices in the United States over the past two decades, it has consistently appeared on birth records each year, demonstrating a steady level of preference among parents.