Find out how popular the first name Leika has been for the last 1 years (from 2018 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leika by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Leika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leika.

The history of the first name Leika

The given name Leika has its origins in ancient Germanic and Scandinavian languages. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "leika," which means "to play" or "to dance." This suggests that the name may have been associated with joy, merriment, and playfulness in its early usage.

In the Viking era, the name Leika was likely used among the Norse peoples of Scandinavia, particularly in regions such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. As the Norse seafarers and traders embarked on their voyages across Europe, the name may have spread to other areas, including parts of modern-day Germany, France, and Britain.

Historical records from the Middle Ages show instances of the name Leika being used, although these occurrences were relatively rare. One notable mention can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of narratives that document the lives and adventures of Norse settlers in Iceland during the 9th to 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Leika was a Norwegian noblewoman who lived in the 11th century. She was known as Leika Erlingsdottir and was the daughter of Erling Skjalgsson, a powerful chieftain and Earl of Norway.

Another historical figure with the name Leika was a Swedish woman who lived in the 12th century. She was known as Leika Svensdotter and was the wife of Birger Brosa, a prominent Swedish statesman and military commander.

In the 13th century, there was a Danish noblewoman named Leika Valdemarsdatter, who was the daughter of King Valdemar II of Denmark. She is mentioned in several historical chronicles from that period.

During the 14th century, a German woman named Leika von Braunschweig was known for her involvement in local politics and her influential role in the city of Brunswick (Braunschweig).

In the 15th century, a Scottish woman named Leika MacLeod was recorded as being a member of the Clan MacLeod, a prominent Highland clan in the Scottish Isles. She lived on the Isle of Lewis and was known for her skills in traditional weaving and textile crafts.

While the name Leika has faded in popularity over time, it remains a part of the cultural heritage and linguistic history of the Germanic and Scandinavian regions. Its origins and associations with playfulness and joy provide a glimpse into the values and traditions of these ancient cultures.

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 Leika was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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