Leah: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Leah is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "weary" or "meadow." This ancient biblical name has maintained enduring popularity through its scriptural significance and gentle, timeless quality.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | "Weary" or possibly "meadow" |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | LEE-uh |
Etymology of Leah
Leah derives from the Hebrew name לֵאָה (Le'ah), traditionally interpreted as meaning "weary" or "tired." However, some scholars suggest alternative etymologies, including a possible connection to the Akkadian word for "cow" or the Hebrew word for "meadow" or "clearing."
The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob, making it one of the foundational matriarchal names in Judeo-Christian tradition. The biblical Leah became the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel, cementing the name's religious significance.
When the name entered English-speaking cultures, it retained its Hebrew pronunciation and spelling largely intact, though regional variations developed across different language communities.
Debated Origins
The exact meaning of Leah has been debated among etymologists:
| Theory | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| "Weary" | Traditional Hebrew etymology | Most commonly cited interpretation, reflecting Leah's biblical narrative |
| "Meadow" or "clearing" | Alternative Hebrew root | Some scholars connect it to related Semitic roots |
| "Wild cow" | Akkadian cognate | Proposed connection to ancient Near Eastern languages |
The exact origin remains debated among scholars, though the "weary" interpretation is most widely accepted.
History of Leah
Origins and Early Use
Leah's earliest recorded use appears in the Book of Genesis, where she is described as the elder sister of Rachel and the less-favored wife of Jacob. Despite this narrative positioning, Leah became the mother of Judah, from whose line King David and, according to Christian tradition, Jesus descended. This gave the name profound religious weight in both Jewish and Christian communities.
The name was used among Jewish communities throughout the medieval period but remained relatively uncommon among Christians until the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names experienced a revival in English-speaking countries.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 16th-17th century | Protestant Reformation | Biblical names become favored among English Puritans |
| 19th century | Victorian biblical revival | Leah enters mainstream use in England and America |
| 1980s-2010s | Modern biblical name trend | Sharp rise in popularity, peaking in 2010 |
Modern Usage
Leah experienced significant growth in popularity from the 1980s onward, rising from #84 in the 1980s to peak at #24 in 2010. The name benefited from the broader trend toward biblical names with soft sounds and simple spellings. Unlike many trendy names, Leah maintained strong popularity through the 2010s and 2020s, ranking #53 in 2024.
Key insight: This name rose because of renewed interest in biblical names with gentle, feminine sounds during the late 20th century, and has stabilized as a modern classic that balances tradition with accessibility.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Leah when they want to convey tradition, faith, and understated elegance, especially in contexts involving religious heritage and timeless femininity without excessive formality.
Variants of Leah
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Leah, Lea | Lea is a simplified spelling |
| French | Léa | Accent added, very popular in France |
| Italian | Lia | Simplified form, distinct pronunciation |
| Spanish | Lía | With accent mark |
| Hebrew | לֵאָה (Le'ah) | Original biblical form |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Lee, Lele (informal)
Similar Names
- Leanne - Combination form incorporating Leah
- Leia - Popularized by Star Wars, phonetically identical
- Rachel - Leah's biblical sister, often paired
- Sarah - Fellow biblical matriarch name
Leah Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #252 | 166 |
| 1920s | #286 | 523 |
| 1940s | #334 | 365 |
| 1960s | #342 | 772 |
| 1980s | #84 | 3,642 |
| 2000s | #97 | 3,399 |
| 2020s | #45 | 4,527 |
| 2024s | #53 | 3,969 |
Peak: 2010, ranked #24 (6,543 births)
Current (2024): #53 (3,969 births)
Trend analysis: Leah's popularity surged during the biblical name revival of the 1980s-2000s, influenced by growing appreciation for short, classic biblical names. The name has remained stable in the top 100 since the mid-1990s, reflecting its status as a modern classic.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Leah as a Username
Availability
"leah" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | leah | Professional |
| With numbers | leah99 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | lea | Social media |
| Stylized | xleah, leahx | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Leah as an ID tends to project:
- Approachability - because of its soft sound and familiar biblical association
- Simplicity - because it's short, easy to spell, and pronounce
- Traditional femininity - because of its long history as a classic female name
Best for: Personal brands, creative profiles, faith-based communities
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames.
Is Leah good for a username?
Leah works well as a username if you value simplicity, approachability, and traditional associations. However, due to its high popularity, you may need variations like lea, leahx, or leah plus numbers to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Leah mean?
Leah means "weary" from Hebrew, though alternative interpretations include "meadow" or "clearing."
Is Leah popular?
According to SSA data, Leah ranks #53 in the US (2024). It is relatively stable after peaking in 2010.
What are nicknames for Leah?
Common nicknames: Lee, Lele
Is Leah a boy's or girl's name?
Leah is traditionally a female name. Modern usage remains overwhelmingly female.
How do you pronounce Leah?
Leah is pronounced LEE-uh. The French variant Léa may be pronounced LAY-ah.
Is Leah good for a username?
Leah works well as a username if you value simplicity and traditional associations, though availability may require variation.
Related Names
- Rachel - Leah's biblical sister, often chosen together
- Sarah - Fellow biblical matriarch with similar timeless appeal
- Lea - Simplified spelling, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026