Leith

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEETH /ˈliθ/High

Meaning: From the Scottish place-name Leith (a port of Edinburgh) — from the Gaelic/Brittonic, variously 'a moist/wet place' or 'a broad river'; also an Arabic name, 'a lion'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A broad river; a moist place: Leith is Scottish. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'LEETH').

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Origin LowScottish, Gaelic

MeaningFrom the Scottish place-name Leith (a port of Edinburgh) — from the Gaelic/Brittonic, variously 'a moist/wet place' or 'a broad river'; also an Arabic name, 'a lion'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#7998 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births10 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 659

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

Leith comes from the Scottish place-name Leith (a port of Edinburgh) — from the Gaelic/Brittonic, variously 'a moist/wet place' or 'a broad river'; also an Arabic name, 'a lion' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (said 'LEETH').

In the U.S. it appears as a place/surname name. Rare, a-broad-river at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Leith is a Scottish place-name (a port of Edinburgh), variously 'a moist place' or 'a broad river' (also Arabic 'a lion') — a crisp, classic name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'LEETH').

Overall data confidence 32%

References — Leith — Scottish place-name; routes layered

Variations

LeitheLeyth

Nicknames

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Explore names like Leith

By themeuncertain place-name scottish gaelic

By meaningSea / Water Lion

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leith mean?

Leith is a Scottish place-name, variously 'a moist place' or 'a broad river'; also Arabic 'a lion'. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Leith?

It's said LEETH /ˈliθ/ — one syllable.

Is Leith a boy or girl name?

Leith is a boy's name.

How popular is Leith?

Leith is a very rare name in the U.S.