Alef

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-lef /ˈɑː.lɛf/Medium

Meaning: Alef is the name of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, associated with 'ox' and with beginnings and oneness. It also appears as a biblical/Edomite name. As a given name it carries the sense of first, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A name of firsts: Alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (said 'AH-lef').

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningAlef is the name of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, associated with 'ox' and with beginnings and oneness. It also appears as a biblical/Edomite name. As a given name it carries the sense of first, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12385 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 15

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alef names the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, linked to 'ox' in its ancient pictograph and to ideas of primacy and unity. It also appears as a biblical name. As a given name it is rare and symbolic, which we note (said 'AH-lef').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, symbolic, and rooted in Hebrew.

Did you know? Alef is the very first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, tied to beginnings and oneness (and originally to 'ox'); it also appears as a biblical name — a name of firsts, which we note (said 'AH-lef').

Overall data confidence 46%

References — Alef — First Hebrew letter; biblical name; symbolic

Variations

AlephAlaf

Nicknames

AlLef

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Alef mean?

Alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, tied to beginnings and oneness; it also appears as a biblical name.

How do you pronounce Alef?

It's said AH-lef /ˈɑː.lɛf/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Alef a boy or girl name?

Alef is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Alef?

Alef is a rare name for boys in the U.S.