Find out how popular the first name Lavi has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lavi by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Lavi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Lavi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lavi.

The history of the first name Lavi

The name Lavi is believed to have its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "lev," which means "heart." The name Lavi is a variation of the name Lev or Lev'i, which is a common Jewish name.

In the Hebrew Bible, Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the ancestor of the Levites, who were the tribe responsible for religious services in ancient Israel. The name Levi is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament, and it is likely that the name Lavi is a diminutive form of this name.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Lavi can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Lavi was Rabbi Lavi ben Gershon, a 12th-century French Jewish scholar and philosopher.

Another notable figure with the name Lavi was Lavi Itzchak ben Yaakov Ashkenazi, a 16th-century rabbi and author from Poland. He wrote several works on Jewish law and tradition, and his writings were widely studied in Jewish communities across Europe.

In the 19th century, Lavi was the name of a prominent Jewish merchant and philanthropist in Ottoman Palestine. Lavi Efendi, as he was known, was a wealthy businessman who supported various charitable causes and helped establish several schools and orphanages in the region.

During the 20th century, Lavi became a more common name among Jews in Israel and the diaspora. One of the most famous individuals with the name Lavi was Lavi Eshkol, the third Prime Minister of Israel, who served from 1963 to 1969. He was a prominent figure in the early years of the state of Israel and played a crucial role in shaping its policies and direction.

Another notable individual with the name Lavi was Lavi Harlap, an Israeli singer and songwriter who was a pioneer of the Israeli rock music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. His music was deeply influenced by the cultural and political climate of the time and helped shape the Israeli cultural identity.

Overall, the name Lavi has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly within the Jewish tradition. While its origins can be traced back to ancient times, it has continued to be a popular name among Jews and Israelis throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lavi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lavi, please contact us.

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