Leah

Weary, meadow — a girl name of Hebrew origin

GenderGirl
OriginHebrew
MeaningWeary, meadow
PronunciationLEE-uh

Popularity of Leah in the United States

#58Rank in 2025
3,880Births in 2025
#24 in 2010Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Leah

Leah is a Hebrew name that appears prominently in the Old Testament as the first wife of the patriarch Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. The traditional Hebrew meaning is often given as "weary" or "tired," though some scholars have linked it to the Akkadian word "littu" meaning "cow," which was a symbol of fertility and abundance in ancient Near Eastern cultures. An alternative etymology connects it to the Assyrian word for "mistress" or "ruler." Leah has been steadily popular in the English-speaking world and is also favored in its variant spellings across many cultures.

Leah Around the World

Leah is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.

Languages
Dutch
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Léa
LeaItalian
Leya
Leia

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Leah

LeeLele

Famous People Named Leah

  • Leah Remini — American actress and activist
  • Lea Michele — American actress and singer
  • Leah Williamson — English professional footballer and England captain

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Sibling Name Ideas for Leah

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Leah mean?

Leah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Weary, meadow." Leah is a Hebrew name that appears prominently in the Old Testament as the first wife of the patriarch Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. The traditional Hebrew meaning is often given as "weary" or "tired," though some scholars have linked it to the Akkadian word "littu" meaning "cow," which was a symbol of fertility and abundance in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

How do you pronounce Leah?

Leah is pronounced LEE-uh. Common variations include Lea, Lia, Leia.

Is Leah a girl name?

Yes, Leah is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lee, Lele.

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