Leah Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leah is a Hebrew name meaning 'weary' or 'tired'. It has evolved from the Hebrew 'Le'ah' through Latin to its current form in English. Recognized for its biblical significance, Leah was the first wife of Jacob and mother to several tribes of Israel. The name reflects traits of resilience and strength. It does have biblical relevance, as it is rooted in a prominent biblical narrative.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Leah"
Pronunciation
/ˈliːə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Leah is derived from the Hebrew name 'Le'ah', which means 'weary' or 'tired'. In the Bible, Leah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Meaning
weary, tired
Language Evolution
Le'ah (Hebrew), Lea (Latin), Leah (English)
Biblical Background
Leah is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where she is described as the mother of several of Jacob's children.
Historical Usage
The name Leah gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, partly due to its biblical associations and its usage in literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Lea, Lia, Lee
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Leah is perceived as a classic yet modern name, appreciated for its simplicity and historical significance. It remains a common choice for baby girls.
Famous People
Leah Remini - American actress and author, Leah Pipes - American actress, Leah McFall - British singer-songwriter
📊 Leah Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Leah Name Visualizations
✨ Leah Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,799 peak births in 2009
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Leah" - Complete Guide (21 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Leah". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 21 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Leah" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Leah"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Leah"
"Leah" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6360th of 7552 | 12 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3907th of 10718 | 112 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4426th of 16616 | 173 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8822nd of 24088 | 108 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 10917th of 23106 | 62 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 277th of 9107 | 9,573 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 365th of 9204 | 6,198 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 342nd of 12526 | 12,785 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 150th of 19264 | 32,255 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 89th of 27321 | 56,806 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 61st of 35406 | 73,860 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 42nd of 30306 | 58,444 |
Regional Popularity of "Leah" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
54.51% 2831st/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
63.12% 4616th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Leah" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
17.16% 243rd/1416 |
15.52% 214th/1379 |
18.34% 434th/2366 |
18.39% 210th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
18.76% 290th/1546 |
18.77% 292nd/1556 |
20.74% 488th/2353 |
19.84% 307th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.41% 321st/2227 |
12.88% 313th/2430 |
13.04% 372nd/2853 |
12.04% 334th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.97% 146th/2937 |
4.57% 159th/3483 |
4.75% 167th/3518 |
3.36% 136th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.98% 73rd/3685 |
1.83% 82nd/4475 |
1.81% 94th/5194 |
1.92% 121st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.29% 59th/4582 |
0.76% 39th/5164 |
1.00% 73rd/7313 |
1.26% 94th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.63% 65th/3984 |
0.42% 19th/4487 |
0.64% 44th/6822 |
0.75% 47th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Leah"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Leah" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Leah" in the United States
The name Leah is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Leah has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Leah' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3907th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4426th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8822nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10917th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 277th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 365th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 342nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 150th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 89th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 61st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 42nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Leah' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.