Leah: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Leah is the name of the first wife of Jacob in the Bible and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Leah Overview

Meaning

Weary, delicate

Gender

Girl

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Leah is a significant biblical name found in the Old Testament.

Religion

Judaism, Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈliːə/

Popularity

Consistently popular in many countries, particularly in English-speaking regions.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

4 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Popular, Short, Classic, Cute

Associated Traits

Gentleness, subtle beauty, strength, resilience

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Important in Hebrew culture and the Old Testament, where Leah is the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Leah Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Lea, Lia, Leigh, Leia, Leana, Aleah, Maleah, Leya, Leeya, Liah

Common Nicknames

Lee, Lulu, Lala, Elle, Leya, Lia, Lili, Lil

Diminutives

Lili, Lea, Lala, Liah, Lee

Famous People

Leah Remini
(Actress)
Leah Chase
(Chef)
Leah Pipes
(Actress)
Leah McSweeney
(Fashion Designer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Leah Clearwater
("Twilight" Series)
"Leah"
(Song by Roy Orbison)
Leah Murphy
("Grey's Anatomy")

Places

Leah Peak
(British Columbia, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Leah?

Leah means “weary” or “delicate.” It is a name that suggests a sense of gentleness and subtle beauty.

What Is the Origin of The Name Leah?

Leah has Hebrew origins and is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Leah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Leah Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Leah in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#462021	#522022	#532023
Top 3 Rankings	#242010	#292009	#292011

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Leah

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	53 (-1 from 2022)	3953 (-235 from 2022)	0.22599
2022	52 (-6 from 2021)	4188 (-281 from 2021)	0.23357
2021	46 (-1 from 2020)	4469 (-54 from 2020)	0.24945
2020	45 (-3 from 2019)	4523 (-256 from 2019)	0.25587
2019	42 (-1 from 2018)	4779 (-255 from 2018)	0.26045
2018	41 (-1 from 2017)	5034 (-163 from 2017)	0.27070
2017	40 (-3 from 2016)	5197 (-235 from 2016)	0.27510
2016	37 (-1 from 2015)	5432 (-198 from 2015)	0.28060
2015	36 (-1 from 2014)	5630 (+21 from 2014)	0.28859
2014	35 (-3 from 2013)	5609 (-6 from 2013)	0.28671
2013	32 (+1 from 2012)	5615 (-164 from 2012)	0.29128
2012	33 (-4 from 2011)	5779 (-620 from 2011)	0.29797
2011	29 (-5 from 2010)	6399 (-142 from 2010)	0.33024
2010	24 (+5 from 2009)	6541 (-248 from 2009)	0.33361
2009	29 (+11 from 2008)	6789 (+1156 from 2008)	0.33525
2008	40 (+27 from 2007)	5633 (+1078 from 2007)	0.27044
2007	67 (+1 from 2006)	4555 (-101 from 2006)	0.21521
2006	68 No change from 2005	4656 (+57 from 2005)	0.22272
2005	68 (-4 from 2004)	4599 (-144 from 2004)	0.22660
2004	64 (+17 from 2003)	4743 (+818 from 2003)	0.23506
2003	81 (+6 from 2002)	3925 (+321 from 2002)	0.19562
2002	87 No change from 2001	3604 (+83 from 2001)	0.18248
2001	87 (+10 from 2000)	3521 (+123 from 2000)	0.17774
2000	97 (+6 from 1999)	3398 (+110 from 1999)	0.17026
1999	103 (+3 from 1998)	3288 (+70 from 1998)	0.16889
1998	106 (-2 from 1997)	3218 (+15 from 1997)	0.16600
1997	104 (-6 from 1996)	3203 (-124 from 1996)	0.16776
1996	98 (+5 from 1995)	3327 (+53 from 1995)	0.17353
1995	103 (-2 from 1994)	3274 (+69 from 1994)	0.17038
1994	101 (-9 from 1993)	3205 (-209 from 1993)	0.16441
1993	92 (+4 from 1992)	3414 (-17 from 1992)	0.17316
1992	96 (-5 from 1991)	3431 (-385 from 1991)	0.17115
1991	91 (-9 from 1990)	3816 (-108 from 1990)	0.18766
1990	82 (+1 from 1989)	3924 (+140 from 1989)	0.19100
1989	83 (-1 from 1988)	3784 (+226 from 1988)	0.18994
1988	82 No change from 1987	3558 (+104 from 1987)	0.18501
1987	82 (-4 from 1986)	3454 (-3 from 1986)	0.18429
1986	78 No change from 1985	3457 (-115 from 1985)	0.18732
1985	78 (+5 from 1984)	3572 (+36 from 1984)	0.19347
1984	83 (-1 from 1983)	3536 (+52 from 1983)	0.19608
1983	82 (-3 from 1982)	3484 (-278 from 1982)	0.19467
1982	79 (+2 from 1981)	3762 (-46 from 1981)	0.20735
1981	81 (+3 from 1980)	3808 (+167 from 1980)	0.21291
1980	84 (+14 from 1979)	3641 (+564 from 1979)	0.20448
1979	98 (+10 from 1978)	3077 (+367 from 1978)	0.17856
1978	108 (+4 from 1977)	2710 (+124 from 1977)	0.16485
1977	112 (+7 from 1976)	2586 (+316 from 1976)	0.15720
1976	119 (+13 from 1975)	2270 (+151 from 1975)	0.14441
1975	132 (+17 from 1974)	2119 (+276 from 1974)	0.13576
1974	149 (+26 from 1973)	1843 (+255 from 1973)	0.11767
1973	175 (+4 from 1972)	1588 (-4 from 1972)	0.10218
1972	179 (+5 from 1971)	1592 (-98 from 1971)	0.09873
1971	184 (+8 from 1970)	1690 (+18 from 1970)	0.09643
1970	192 (+18 from 1969)	1672 (+182 from 1969)	0.09127
1969	210 (-15 from 1968)	1490 (-126 from 1968)	0.08453
1968	195 (+4 from 1967)	1616 (+19 from 1967)	0.09452
1967	199 (+21 from 1966)	1597 (+218 from 1966)	0.09302
1966	220 (+8 from 1965)	1379 (-6 from 1965)	0.07854
1965	228 (+2 from 1964)	1385 (-37 from 1964)	0.07579
1964	230 (+14 from 1963)	1422 (+123 from 1963)	0.07265
1963	244 (+51 from 1962)	1299 (+323 from 1962)	0.06534
1962	295 (+37 from 1961)	976 (+170 from 1961)	0.04815
1961	332 (+10 from 1960)	806 (+34 from 1960)	0.03880
1960	342 (+10 from 1959)	772 (+34 from 1959)	0.03712
1959	352 (+5 from 1958)	738 (+71 from 1958)	0.03550
1958	357 (-22 from 1957)	667 (-73 from 1957)	0.03229
1957	335 (+4 from 1956)	740 (+72 from 1956)	0.03527
1956	339 (+17 from 1955)	668 (+76 from 1955)	0.03243
1955	356 (+12 from 1954)	592 (+34 from 1954)	0.02953
1954	368 (-21 from 1953)	558 (-22 from 1953)	0.02803
1953	347 (+27 from 1952)	580 (+84 from 1952)	0.03006
1952	374 (-4 from 1951)	496 (+17 from 1951)	0.02608
1951	370 (+15 from 1950)	479 (+37 from 1950)	0.02593
1950	385 (-16 from 1949)	442 (-9 from 1949)	0.02513
1949	369 (+34 from 1948)	451 (+64 from 1948)	0.02569
1948	403 (+7 from 1947)	387 (-1 from 1947)	0.02221
1947	410 (+21 from 1946)	388 (+64 from 1946)	0.02134
1946	431 (-10 from 1945)	324 (+39 from 1945)	0.02009
1945	421 (-7 from 1944)	285 (-21 from 1944)	0.02117
1944	414 (+3 from 1943)	306 (-2 from 1943)	0.02239
1943	417 (-24 from 1942)	308 (-22 from 1942)	0.02146
1942	393 (-41 from 1941)	330 (-21 from 1941)	0.02373
1941	352 (-18 from 1940)	351 (-14 from 1940)	0.02817
1940	334 (-12 from 1939)	365 (-8 from 1939)	0.03090
1939	322 (+2 from 1938)	373 (-3 from 1938)	0.03289
1938	324 (-17 from 1937)	376 (-32 from 1937)	0.03294
1937	307 (+28 from 1936)	408 (+62 from 1936)	0.03703
1936	335 (-1 from 1935)	346 (-16 from 1935)	0.03211
1935	334 (-19 from 1934)	362 (-33 from 1934)	0.03331
1934	315 (+21 from 1933)	395 (+57 from 1933)	0.03649
1933	336 (+40 from 1932)	338 (+42 from 1932)	0.03231
1932	376 (-16 from 1931)	296 (-23 from 1931)	0.02676
1931	360 (+16 from 1930)	319 (-7 from 1930)	0.02890
1930	376 (+5 from 1929)	326 (+17 from 1929)	0.02795
1929	381 (-49 from 1928)	309 (-96 from 1928)	0.02669
1928	332 (+38 from 1927)	405 (+60 from 1927)	0.03388
1927	370 (-51 from 1926)	345 (-91 from 1926)	0.02790
1926	319 (-3 from 1925)	436 (-8 from 1925)	0.03544
1925	316 (-20 from 1924)	444 (-61 from 1924)	0.03515
1924	296 (-2 from 1923)	505 (+18 from 1923)	0.03898
1923	294 (-1 from 1922)	487 (+2 from 1922)	0.03888
1922	293 (-1 from 1921)	485 (-29 from 1921)	0.03888
1921	292 (-6 from 1920)	514 (-9 from 1920)	0.04017
1920	286 (-9 from 1919)	523 (-4 from 1919)	0.04204
1919	277 (-18 from 1918)	527 (-61 from 1918)	0.04486
1918	259 (+10 from 1917)	588 (+54 from 1917)	0.04890
1917	269 (-3 from 1916)	534 (+20 from 1916)	0.04752
1916	266 (-14 from 1915)	514 (-38 from 1915)	0.04734
1915	252 (-6 from 1914)	552 (+95 from 1914)	0.05391
1914	246 (+2 from 1913)	457 (+87 from 1913)	0.05737
1913	248 (+9 from 1912)	370 (+68 from 1912)	0.05650
1912	257 (+13 from 1911)	302 (+100 from 1911)	0.05147
1911	270 (-2 from 1910)	202 (-5 from 1910)	0.04572
1910	268 (+3 from 1909)	207 (+31 from 1909)	0.04934
1909	271 (-22 from 1908)	176 (-18 from 1908)	0.04781
1908	249 (-15 from 1907)	194 (-6 from 1907)	0.05472
1907	234 (+21 from 1906)	200 (+36 from 1906)	0.05927
1906	255 (-8 from 1905)	164 (-4 from 1905)	0.05232
1905	247 (+12 from 1904)	168 (+19 from 1904)	0.05422
1904	259 (-33 from 1903)	149 (-26 from 1903)	0.05095
1903	226 (+5 from 1902)	175 (+4 from 1902)	0.06291
1902	231 (-21 from 1901)	171 (-13 from 1901)	0.06100
1901	210 (+42 from 1900)	184 (+18 from 1900)	0.07238
1900	252 (-29 from 1899)	166 (+17 from 1899)	0.05224
1899	223 (-12 from 1898)	149 (-36 from 1898)	0.06020
1898	211 (+15 from 1897)	185 (+38 from 1897)	0.06748
1897	226 (-15 from 1896)	147 (-22 from 1896)	0.05921
1896	211 (-20 from 1895)	169 (-34 from 1895)	0.06707
1895	191 (+3 from 1894)	203 (+21 from 1894)	0.08215
1894	194 (+4 from 1893)	182 (+15 from 1893)	0.07713
1893	198 (-2 from 1892)	167 (+4 from 1892)	0.07415
1892	196 (-6 from 1891)	163 (+19 from 1891)	0.07247
1891	190 (-6 from 1890)	144 (-18 from 1890)	0.07326
1890	184 (+13 from 1889)	162 (+28 from 1889)	0.08033
1889	197 (+10 from 1888)	134 (+16 from 1888)	0.07082
1888	207 (+21 from 1887)	118 (+35 from 1887)	0.06229
1887	228 (-9 from 1886)	83 No change from 1886	0.05340
1886	219 (-7 from 1885)	83 (-2 from 1885)	0.05399
1885	212 No change from 1884	85 (+6 from 1884)	0.05988
1884	212 (+11 from 1883)	79 (+14 from 1883)	0.05742
1883	223 (+7 from 1882)	65 (+9 from 1882)	0.05414
1882	230 (-22 from 1881)	56 (+4 from 1881)	0.04840
1881	208 No change from 1880	52 (-2 from 1880)	0.05260
1880	208 First SSA data recorded	54 First SSA data recorded	0.05533

American States Popularity Rankings for Leah

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#382021

#512022

#452023

New York (NY)

#102021

#102022

#92023

Texas (TX)

#402021

#422022

#432023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#502021

#652022

#792023

Ohio (OH)

#1022021

#752022

#932023

Florida (FL)

#302021

#332022

#332023

Illinois (IL)

#572021

#552022

#602023

Michigan (MI)

#882021

#882022

#972023

New Jersey (NJ)

#102021

#122022

#102023

Massachusetts (MA)

#622021

#722022

#622023

Indiana (IN)

#672021

#942022

#1012023

North Carolina (NC)

#942021

#802022

#742023

Minnesota (MN)

#992021

#1232022

#1482023

Georgia (GA)

#732021

#1162022

#862023

Wisconsin (WI)

#992021

#812022

#1202023

Virginia (VA)

#572021

#782022

#842023

Washington (WA)

#652021

#872022

#832023

Missouri (MO)

#982021

#762022

#1052023

Maryland (MD)

#422021

#522022

#372023

Tennessee (TN)

#1162021

#1252022

#1172023

Louisiana (LA)

#852021

#572022

#1352023

Arizona (AZ)

#492021

#442022

#532023

Colorado (CO)

#712021

#762022

#882023

Kentucky (KY)

#1392021

#1012022

#1222023

Iowa (IA)

#492021

#792022

#872023

Alabama (AL)

#1092021

#2322022

#1382023

Connecticut (CT)

#482021

#612022

#782023

Oklahoma (OK)

#1222021

#1122022

#1282023

Kansas (KS)

#752021

#862022

#862023

Oregon (OR)

#872021

#842022

#962023

South Carolina (SC)

#1752021

#1242022

#1792023

Utah (UT)

#862021

#742022

#882023

Arkansas (AR)

#1182021

#1672022

#1282023

West Virginia (WV)

#1032021

#652022

#1412023

Mississippi (MS)

#1492021

#2332022

#1642023

Nebraska (NE)

#722021

#882022

#1122023

New Mexico (NM)

#772021

#492022

#762023

Nevada (NV)

#582021

#572022

#672023

Maine (ME)

#1592021

#1922022

#1922023

Idaho (ID)

#1262021

#1192022

#1162023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1582021

#1082022

#782023

North Dakota (ND)

#852021

#2122022

#1742023

Rhode Island (RI)

#452021

#822022

#882023

South Dakota (SD)

#1302021

#1462022

#962023

District of Columbia (DC)

#802021

#932022

#1252023

Hawaii (HI)

#942020

#2072021

#1322023

Montana (MT)

#1142021

#782022

#1822023

Delaware (DE)

#1192021

#1352022

#432023

Alaska (AK)

#512019

#862021

#872022

Vermont (VT)

#532016

#442018

#412019

Wyoming (WY)

#472012

#402015

#772019

Popularity Rankings for Leah in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa

Guam

Northern Mariana Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories

#442005

#82010

#332016

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden

#142021

#232022

#182023

Popularity in Norway

Norway

#222021

#172022

#182023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#212021

#212022

#222023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#372021

#502022

#432023

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#532021

#482022

#632023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#862021

#692022

#702023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#832019

#822021

#962022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#842021

#962022

#1322023

Popularity in Chile

Chile

#1732019

#1412020

#982021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#1312021

#1082022

#1442023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#1232019

#1432020

#1502021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#1392020

#1952021

#1492022

Popularity in Austria

Austria

#1402020

#1502021

#1642022

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland

#2352023

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico

#2892020

#2532021

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#3802020

#3972021

#3622023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#4962020

#4082021

#4442022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Leah a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Leah has a feminine sound and has been used for female babies for centuries.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Leah

Lea
Lia
Leigh
Leia
Leana
Aleah
Meaning: Perhaps, probably, star of the sea, beloved, calm
Origin: Hawaiian, HebrewMaleah
Leya
Leeya
Liah

Lee
Lulu
Lala
Elle
Leya
Lia
Lili
Lil

Lili
Lea
Lala
Liah
Lee

Leah in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Leah Remini (Actress, born 1970): Known for her role as Carrie Heffernan on the sitcom "The King of Queens," she is also a former member of the Church of Scientology and an outspoken critic of the organization.
Leah Chase (Chef, 1923–2019): An acclaimed chef and restaurateur, she was known as the "Queen of Creole Cuisine" and operated the famous Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans.
Leah Pipes (Actress, born 1988): An American actress best known for her roles in "Sorority Row" and "The Originals."
Leah McSweeney (Fashion Designer, born 1982): Founder of the streetwear brand Married to the Mob, and a cast member on "The Real Housewives of New York City."

Leah Clearwater ("Twilight" Series, 2005 Books and Films): A Quileute werewolf and the only female member of the pack, she struggles with her transformation and the dynamics of her pack.
"Leah" (1965 Song): A song by Roy Orbison, which tells the story of a man longing for his love, Leah.
Leah Murphy ("Grey's Anatomy," 2005 TV Series): A surgical resident at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital who faces many challenges in her career.

None

Meaning: Mine, beloved
Origin: ItalianMia
Nina
Lia
Eva
Gia
Tia
Rhea
Dina
Kira
Nia

Mae
Meaning: Delicate
Origin: HebrewDelilah
Mary
Mara
Anissa
Lina

Sibling Names for Leah

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Leah Also Like

Leah is a name with deep historical roots and a gentle, delicate meaning. Its enduring popularity and gentle connotation make it a lovely choice for any girl. So pick it for your girl, she will thank you later.

And don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leah Name Meaning

Leah Overview

Leah Variations in Different Cultures

What Is the Meaning of Leah?

What Is the Origin of The Name Leah?

Leah Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Leah in the U.S. over the Years

American States Popularity Rankings for Leah

California (CA)

New York (NY)

Texas (TX)

Pennsylvania (PA)

Ohio (OH)

Florida (FL)

Illinois (IL)

Michigan (MI)

New Jersey (NJ)

Massachusetts (MA)

Indiana (IN)

North Carolina (NC)

Minnesota (MN)

Georgia (GA)

Wisconsin (WI)

Virginia (VA)

Washington (WA)

Missouri (MO)

Maryland (MD)

Tennessee (TN)

Louisiana (LA)

Arizona (AZ)

Colorado (CO)

Kentucky (KY)

Iowa (IA)

Alabama (AL)

Connecticut (CT)

Oklahoma (OK)

Kansas (KS)

Oregon (OR)

South Carolina (SC)

Utah (UT)

Arkansas (AR)

West Virginia (WV)

Mississippi (MS)

Nebraska (NE)

New Mexico (NM)

Nevada (NV)

Maine (ME)

Idaho (ID)

New Hampshire (NH)

North Dakota (ND)

Rhode Island (RI)

South Dakota (SD)

District of Columbia (DC)

Hawaii (HI)

Montana (MT)

Delaware (DE)

Alaska (AK)

Vermont (VT)

Wyoming (WY)

Popularity in Other American Territories

Popularity in Sweden

Popularity in Norway

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Popularity in Ireland

Popularity in Canada

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Popularity in New Zealand

Popularity in Chile

Popularity in Scotland

Popularity in England and Wales

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Popularity in Austria

Popularity in Iceland

Popularity in Mexico

Popularity in Poland

Popularity in Switzerland

Is Leah a Name for Boys or Girls?

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Leah

Leah in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places