Leib is of German and Yiddish origin, translating to "heart" in both languages. It's a unisex name but has been more commonly used for males throughout history. The name Leib is often associated with notable figures such as the 19th-century Russian-Jewish writer Leybu ben Ozer, better known by his pen name, Mendele Mokher Seforim. In Hebrew culture, it's connected to the concept of the heart as the seat of emotions and intellect. The name Leib has a simple yet profound meaning that can resonate with individuals seeking names of depth and significance.
The name Leib experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a noticeable increase in recent times. Between 1958 and 2023, there were a total of 396 babies named Leib. The highest number of births occurred in 2022 and 2023, with 23 and 24 newborns respectively, indicating that the name is currently quite popular. However, there were also several years where only a handful of babies were named Leib, such as in 1958, 1961, and 1987, among others. The most common number of births per year seems to be around 5 or 6, with several peaks reaching double digits in recent years. Overall, while Leib has not consistently been a top choice for parents, it has maintained a steady presence in the naming landscape over the past six decades.