Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Leia
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Hebrew· “uncertain; popularized by Star Wars”
- Meaning
- uncertain; popularized by Star Wars (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LAY-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #297
- US babies 2025
- 1,033
- Best rank
- #211 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Leia
Leia is often said to mean “uncertain; popularized by Star Wars”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Hebrew roots.
Leia is best known as the name of Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars films, which introduced it to audiences in the late nineteen seventies. The origin of the name is uncertain; it is often linked to the Hebrew Leah, which may mean weary or wild cow, and it also resembles the Hawaiian lei, a garland of flowers. Today Leia appeals to parents who love its gentle sound and its heroic film association. It is short, soft and memorable.
Popularity over time
Leia first appears in US Social Security records in 1949. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 1978. Its best national rank was #211 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,424 babies. In 2025, 1,033 babies were named Leia, and it ranked #297 nationally. That is 35% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,726 in 1950, #923 in 1980, #1,498 in 2000, #834 in 2010, and #297 in 2025. Of the 18,778 US girls named Leia since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 6,938 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zara, Aitana, Kamila, Kailani, and Nyla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leia ranked highest in Hawaii, California, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #50 | 12 |
| California | #125 | 242 |
| Delaware | #154 | 6 |
| New Mexico | #200 | 8 |
| Connecticut | #201 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leia is usually pronounced LAY-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Leia
A few middle names that flow with Leia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leia
Similar names
Tahlia Girl
TAHL-ee-uh
“variant of Talia” · Hebrew
#1,700
Lia Girl
LEE-uh
“short form of names like Amelia” · Italian
#200
Talia Girl
TAHL-yuh
“dew of God” · Hebrew
#265
Alia Girl
AH-lee-uh
“exalted, lofty” · Arabic
#587
Jordyn Girl
JAWR-duhn
“to flow down” · American (modern coinage)
#371
Dalia Girl
DAHL-yuh
“dahlia flower; also Hebrew 'branch'” · Spanish
#800
Ellia Girl
EH-lee-uh
“modern variant of Ella or Elia” · American (modern coinage)
#2,445
Julia Girl
JOOL-yuh
“uncertain; Roman family name” · Latin
#131
Jada Girl
JAY-duh
American (modern coinage)
#1,201
Alivia Girl
uh-LIV-ee-uh
“variant of Olivia” · American (modern coinage)
#484
Malia Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“Hawaiian form of Mary” · Hawaiian
#349
Nadia Girl
NAHD-yuh
“hope” · Russian
#565
Lists that include Leia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leia mean?
Leia is often said to mean “uncertain; popularized by Star Wars”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Leia?
Leia has modern American and Hebrew roots. Leia is best known as the name of Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars films, which introduced it to audiences in the late nineteen seventies.
Is Leia a popular name?
Yes. Leia ranked #297 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leia a boy or girl name?
Leia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leia?
Leia is usually pronounced LAY-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