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The surname Levy, or Lévi, primarily originates from the Hebrew name Levi, meaning "joined" or "attached". In Jewish tradition, it's linked to the Levites, a tribe of Israel traditionally designated as priests and temple workers. It also has roots in Old French, where it can refer to a tax or a place name.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Hebrew Origin:
The name Levy traces back to the Hebrew name Levi, which is derived from the biblical figure Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
Levites:
The Levites were a tribe in ancient Israel responsible for religious duties, including temple service and priestly functions.
Meaning:
The name Levi, and thus Levy, means "joined" or "attached," reflecting the hope that the birth of Levi would bring Jacob closer to his wife, Leah.
Surname Usage:
The name Levy became a surname, particularly among Jewish communities, to denote lineage from the Levites.
Other Origins:
While primarily Hebrew, Levy can also have origins in other languages. In French, it can relate to the verb "lever," meaning "to raise" or "to collect," and thus be associated with tax collection, or be a place name. There are also some Scottish and Welsh origins, but these are less common.
Variations:
The name has various spellings across different languages, including Levi, Lévy, Leví, Lewi, and others.
