Leah
Leah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Weary, meadow”, pronounced LEE-uh. It ranked #58 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,880 babies, and peaked at #24 in 2010. Common nicknames: Lee, Lele.
How popular is Leah in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Leah mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Leah used around the world?
Leah is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Leah?
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.