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Leah Girl

Popularity: #53 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLEE-uh / ˈliːə

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: weary; English: meadow

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Leah has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "le'ah," which is often interpreted to mean "weary" or "delicate." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where Leah is introduced as one of the wives of Jacob and the mother of several of his children, including Judah and Levi. The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to ancient Hebrew, and it was later transliterated into Greek as "Lea" and into Latin as "Leah," before making its way into Old French and subsequently into Middle English during the medieval period.

Historically, Leah's significance is underscored by her biblical narrative, which has been influential in Jewish and Christian traditions. The story of Leah and her sister Rachel, along with their complex relationship with Jacob, has been interpreted in various ways throughout the centuries, often symbolizing themes of love, rivalry, and maternal sacrifice. The name Leah has been borne by various notable figures in history, including saints and queens, which has contributed to its enduring presence in religious and cultural contexts.

Culturally, Leah has resonated as a symbol of strength and resilience, particularly within Jewish tradition, where her story is often recounted during religious teachings and celebrations. The name has also been associated with the concept of loyalty and devotion, reflecting Leah's steadfastness in her familial roles. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Lee" have emerged in various cultures, although the name Leah itself has maintained its prominence. Overall, the historical and cultural significance of Leah has ensured its continued relevance across different eras and societies.

Trend Summary

Leah has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States, particularly popular in the late 20th century and early 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lea
  • Leya

International Variants

  • Lea (Spanish)
  • Léa (French)
  • Leah (German)
  • Lea (Italian)

Famous people named Leah

Leah Remini is an actress and author best known for The King of Queens, Leah Remini: It's All Relative, and Scientology and the Aftermath.

Leah Pipes is an actress best known for The Originals, The Devil's Hand, and Sorority Row.

Leah McFall is a singer best known for The Voice UK and her singles such as.

Leah Lewis is an actress best known for The Half of It, Nancy Drew, and the series Station 19.

Fictional characters named Leah

Leah is a fictional character from the novel and film series Twilight. She is a member of the Quileute tribe and plays a significant role in the story as a werewolf and a strong-willed character.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Leah was first seen in the United States in 1880. Leah has ranked as high as #94 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Leah has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Leah (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 531
14%
NY 528
14%
TX 485
13%
NJ 279
7%
FL 277
7%
PA 134
3%
IL 126
3%
OH 113
3%
NC 103
3%
VA 100
3%
GA 86
2%
AZ 85
2%
MD 71
2%
IN 70
2%
MA 61
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188054
188152
188256
188365
188479
188585
188683
188783
1888118
1889134
1890162
1891144
1892163
1893167
1894182
1895203
1896169
1897147
1898185
1899149
1900166
1901184
1902171
1903175
1904149
1905168
1906164
1907200
1908194
1909176
1910207
1911202
1912302
1913370
1914457
1915552
1916514
1917534
1918588
1919527
1920523
1921514
1922485
1923487
1924505
1925444
1926436
1927345
1928405
1929309
1930326
1931319
1932296
1933338
1934395
1935362
1936346
1937408
1938376
1939373
1940365
1941351
1942330
1943308
1944306
1945285
1946324
1947388
1948387
1949451
1950442
1951479
1952496
1953580
1954558
1955592
1956668
1957740
1958667
1959738
1960772
1961806
1962976
19631,299
19641,422
19651,385
19661,378
19671,598
19681,616
19691,490
19701,672
19711,690
19721,594
19731,587
19741,844
19752,118
19762,270
19772,586
19782,710
19793,075
19803,642
19813,808
19823,762
19833,484
19843,536
19853,572
19863,457
19873,454
19883,558
19893,784
19903,924
19913,816
19923,431
19933,414
19943,205
19953,274
19963,327
19973,203
19983,218
19993,288
20003,399
20013,521
20023,604
20033,925
20044,744
20054,600
20064,657
20074,555
20085,634
20096,790
20106,543
20116,400
20125,779
20135,617
20145,609
20155,633
20165,433
20175,200
20185,036
20194,780
20204,527
20214,474
20224,193
20233,973
20243,969