Girl · 42nd of 30,306
Leah
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
253,034
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2009
Peak Popularity Year
6,799
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Leah stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
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
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 21 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |