Leia

♀ Girl

Pronounced LAY-uh /ˈleɪ.ə/High

Meaning: Weary; variant of Leah from Hebrew; also influenced by Hawaiian leia (child of heaven) and the Star Wars character Princess LeiaMedium

In 30 seconds: A name at the intersection of biblical tradition and pop culture. Related to Leah and the Hawaiian Leia, it was catapulted to fame by Princess Leia of Star Wars (1977).

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Origin MediumHebrew, Hawaiian

MeaningWeary; variant of Leah from Hebrew; also influenced by Hawaiian leia (child of heaven) and the Star Wars character Princess Leia

U.S. rank (2025)#297 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,033 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,769

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Leia is considered a variant of Leah, the Hebrew name meaning 'weary' or possibly 'gazelle.' It is also related to the Hawaiian name Leia or Leia, meaning 'child of heaven' or possibly 'flower garland.' The name gained enormous global exposure through the character Princess Leia Organa in George Lucas's Star Wars franchise beginning in 1977.

Leia saw modest use before 1977 and then a spike in use following the original Star Wars film. It has risen sharply again since the 2010s with the release of the sequel trilogy. It now sits in the U.S. top 500 girls' names, beloved for its combination of soft sounds, cultural resonance, and strong fictional role model.

Did you know? George Lucas chose the name Leia for his princess partly for its exotic but accessible sound — it has since become one of the most famous fictional characters' names in cinema history.

Variations

LeahLeaLiaLeila

Nicknames

Lee

Famous Bearers

★Carrie Fisher (1956–2016)
American actress who portrayed Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars franchise.

If you like Leia…

Leah— the biblical source name with the same meaning

Lia— shares the soft vowel ending and Italian-Hebrew connection

Luna— another short, luminous girls' name with a strong pop-culture presence

Layla— similar soft two-syllable name with Middle Eastern roots

Explore names like Leia

By meaningStar Sky / Heaven Royal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leia mean?

Leia is related to Hebrew Leah meaning 'weary,' and also to the Hawaiian name meaning 'child of heaven.' It is famous as Princess Leia from Star Wars.

How do you pronounce Leia?

Leia is pronounced LAY-uh (/ˈleɪ.ə/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Leia a boy or girl name?

Leia is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Leia?

Leia has been rising steadily since the 2010s Star Wars revival and is now in the U.S. top 200 girls' names.