Leah

♀ Girl

Pronounced LEE-uh /ˈliːə/High

Meaning: Weary; or wild cow — from Hebrew Le'ahMedium

In 30 seconds: A gentle Hebrew Biblical name of uncertain meaning, borne by Jacob's first wife in Genesis. Leah is a U.S. top-50 staple, beloved for its soft sound and Biblical depth.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningWeary; or wild cow — from Hebrew Le'ah

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 221,422

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Leah comes from the Hebrew Le'ah. The meaning is disputed: it may mean weary, or it may be related to a word for wild cow, an animal associated with strength and fertility in the ancient Near East. In Genesis, Leah is the elder daughter of Laban and the first wife of Jacob (who loved her sister Rachel more), yet she is honored as a matriarch of Israel for her many sons.

Leah was used modestly in England from the 17th century onward but was never dominant. It gained greater traction in the U.S. from the 1970s onward and entered the top 50 in the 1980s, where it has remained. Its soft sound, brevity, and unpretentious Biblical heritage make it an enduring favorite for parents seeking a gentle classic.

Did you know? In Genesis, Leah is described as having 'weak eyes,' contrasted with her sister Rachel's beauty — yet she bore six of Jacob's twelve sons, becoming the mother of the largest number of the twelve tribes.

Variations

LeaLia

Nicknames

Lee

Famous Bearers

★Leah Remini (1970–)
American actress and author, known for The King of Queens.

If you like Leah…

Naomi— Hebrew Old Testament matriarch name with the same elegant simplicity

Hannah— another soft, two-syllable Hebrew classic in the same tier

Ruth— Leah's near-contemporary in the Old Testament narrative, equally simple and beautiful

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leah mean?

Leah is a Hebrew name whose meaning is debated — it may mean 'weary' or relate to a word for wild cow, symbolizing strength and fertility.

How do you pronounce Leah?

It's said LEE-uh /ˈliːə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Leah a boy or girl name?

Leah is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Leah?

Leah has ranked in the U.S. top 50 girls' names since the 1980s, a consistent Biblical classic.