Levine

Origin and Meaning: Levine is a British surname of Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name Levi, which was the name of one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Bible. Levi was the patriarch of the Israelite tribe of Levi, who were given priestly duties in the Old Testament.

Historical Significance: The surname Levine indicates a Jewish heritage and is often associated with Jewish communities in Britain. Jewish immigration into Britain has a long history, with notable influxes during the medieval period and again during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many Jewish families adopted anglicised versions of their original surnames upon settling in Britain.

Distribution and Frequency: The surname Levine is relatively rare in Britain and is most commonly found among Jewish communities in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Leeds. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it is more prevalent.

Famous Individuals:

  • Adam Levine: American singer-songwriter, known for being the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Maroon 5.
  • Philip Levine: American poet, known for his works exploring working-class themes and life in industrial America.
  • Geddy Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib): Canadian musician and member of the rock band Rush, whose birth surname was a variation of Levine.

Variants and Related Surnames: Variants of the surname Levine include Levin, Levitt, and Levinsky. Related surnames include Levy and Lev.

In summary, the surname Levine carries a rich history of Jewish heritage and is connected to the diaspora of Jewish communities in Britain and beyond. Its variations and presence in popular culture have contributed to its recognition in various regions around the world.

There are approximately 1,371 people named Levine in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,757th most common surname in Britain. Around 21 in a million people in Britain are named Levine.

Religion of origin: Jewish

Language of origin: Hebrew

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Brian
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Kate
  • Michelle
  • Rachel
  • Rebecca
  • Ruth
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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