Leah
Leah Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
LEE-ah
Meaning of Leah: Leah is a Hebrew name whose etymology is debated. The most common derivation connects it to the Hebrew root la'ah, meaning "weary" or "tired." An alternate theory links it to an Akkadian word for "cow" or to an Assyrian root meaning "mistress." The uncertainty reflects the name's great antiquity.
In the Old Testament, Leah is the eldest daughter of Laban and first wife of Jacob, obtained through deception when Jacob believed he was marrying Rachel. Despite being less favored, she bore six sons including Judah, ancestor of the royal line of David. See etymology records.
The name was carried through the Jewish diaspora and adopted in Protestant naming traditions following the Reformation's emphasis on Old Testament names. It appeared regularly in English, Dutch, and German records from the 16th century, more common in communities with strong biblical naming customs.
What Does Leah Mean? Origin & Etymology
In the United States, Leah entered the SSA top 100 in 1964. It peaked at rank 24 in 2010 and settled at rank 53 in 2024 with 3,969 births, a proven classic with decades of consistent performance. Track the full records at SSA Baby Names.
The alternate spelling Lea is the most common variant in French, Spanish, German, and Scandinavian traditions. In the Star Wars franchise, Princess Leia brought the name into global pop culture from 1977 onward, though the franchise spelling is distinct from the biblical Hebrew form.
Leah has followed a pattern common to many biblical girl names: mid-20th-century decline followed by sustained recovery from the 1990s onward. Its short two-syllable form, ending in a vowel, fits phonetic preferences documented in contemporary US naming records across multiple demographic groups.
How Popular Is Leah?
Numerology & Symbolism of Leah
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Leah – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Leah
What does Leah mean?
What is the origin of Leah?
Leah originates from biblical Hebrew Leʼah. English Puritans used it in the 17th century. Actress Lea Michele sustained cultural visibility. Leah entered the US top 30 in 2013.
How popular is Leah in the US?
Leah ranks 53 for girls in the US as of 2024, per SSA data. It entered the top 30 in 2013. Leah is popular across the US, UK, and Australia.
What are variants of Leah?
Is Leah more popular for girls or boys?
Leah is given almost exclusively to girls. It ranks 53 for girls in the US in 2024 and does not appear in the top 1000 boys’ names.
Leah – Name Variants & Spellings
| Variant | Language |
|---|---|
| Leigh | English variant |
| Lea | French/German/Italian |
| Leia | Hebrew/Aramaic variant |
| Liya | Hebrew/Russian variant |
| Lia | Italian/Portuguese short form |