Girl · 244th of 19,264
Leigh
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
45,319
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1969
Peak Popularity Year
1,640
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Leigh 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
Leigh originated from the Old English word for 'meadow' or 'clearing'. It has evolved through various forms in the English language. The name signifies a connection to nature and is often used in both masculine and feminine contexts. It does not have biblical relevance, but it has maintained a steady popularity over the centuries, particularly in modern times. Notable individuals with this name include Leigh Bardugo and Leigh Whannell.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/liː/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Leigh is derived from the Old English word 'leah', meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'. It originally referred to a person who lived near a meadow or a clearing in the woods.
Meaning
meadow, clearing
Language Evolution
Leah (Old English), Leigh (Middle English), Leigh (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Leigh has been used since the medieval period in England and has gained popularity as both a masculine and feminine name in modern times.
Variants & Derivatives
Lee, Lea, Leighann
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Leigh is perceived as a versatile and modern name that is often associated with nature and tranquility.
Famous People
Leigh Bardugo - American author, Leigh Whannell - Australian screenwriter and actor
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:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,640 peak births in 1969
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 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 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1250th of 7545 | 528 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 915th of 6773 | 902 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 772nd of 7552 | 1,720 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 999th of 10718 | 1,041 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1769th of 16616 | 665 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8451st of 24088 | 117 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11932nd of 23106 | 51 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3318th of 9107 | 135 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1710th of 9204 | 410 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 421st of 12526 | 9,138 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 244th of 19264 | 18,760 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 401st of 27321 | 9,779 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2141st of 35406 | 1,388 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3217th of 30306 | 602 |