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Lei

Unisex

Meaning of Lei: Chinese: 'thunder'

Lei is a unisex name most strongly associated with Chinese naming. It has 3 letters and 1 syllable, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 14979th most popular name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#14979

5 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

683

First recorded 1937 · peak 1962

Trend

stable

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 6 babies1982: 10 babies1983: 9 babies1984: 5 babies1985: 6 babies1986: 0 babies1987: 0 babies1988: 7 babies1989: 5 babies1990: 11 babies19901991: 6 babies1992: 0 babies1993: 5 babies1994: 5 babies1995: 9 babies1996: 0 babies1997: 0 babies1998: 0 babies1999: 7 babies2000: 10 babies20002001: 7 babies2002: 16 babies2003: 0 babies2004: 9 babies2005: 11 babies2006: 7 babies2007: 0 babies2008: 0 babies2009: 0 babies2010: 6 babies20102011: 0 babies2012: 5 babies2013: 5 babies2014: 5 babies2015: 6 babies2016: 5 babies2017: 0 babies2018: 5 babies2019: 0 babies2020: 6 babies20202021: 0 babies2022: 0 babies2023: 7 babies2024: 5 babies2025: 5 babies
US babies named Lei per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 16.

Gender split

5% boys · 95% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More Chinese names

Other names starting with L