Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Leah
GirlHebrew· “weary”
- Meaning
- weary
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #58
- US babies 2025
- 3,880
- Best rank
- #24 (2010)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Leah
Leah is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “weary”.
Leah is a Hebrew name usually interpreted as weary. Some scholars instead link it to an Akkadian word meaning mistress or lady, so the meaning is not fully settled. In the Book of Genesis, Leah is the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the tribes of Israel, including Judah and Levi. Her story made the name a long-standing choice among Jewish families, and Puritans later adopted it in English. It is short and gentle, with a soft vowel ending that feels modern. The spelling Lea is used in French and German, and Leia is a separate name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lia.
Popularity over time
Leah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #24 in 2010, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 6,790 were named Leah. In 2025, 3,880 babies were named Leah, and it ranked #58 nationally. That is 31% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #286 in 1920, #385 in 1950, #84 in 1980, #97 in 2000, #24 in 2010, and #58 in 2025. Of the 256,488 US girls named Leah since records began, 22% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 45,430 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kaylee, Gabriella, Makayla, Khloe, and Bella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leah ranked highest in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #8 | 550 |
| New Jersey | #13 | 244 |
| Delaware | #24 | 18 |
| Florida | #42 | 301 |
| Texas | #46 | 465 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leah is usually pronounced LEE-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lia.
Middle names for Leah
A few middle names that flow with Leah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leah
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Lists that include Leah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leah mean?
Leah is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “weary”.
What is the origin of the name Leah?
Leah has Hebrew roots. Leah is a Hebrew name usually interpreted as weary.
Is Leah a popular name?
Yes. Leah ranked #58 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Leah a boy or girl name?
Leah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leah?
Leah is usually pronounced LEE-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings