What does Lea mean and where does it come from?
The name Lea is of Hebrew origin, with the spelling לֵאָה. In the Bible, Lea was the first wife of Jacob and mother to six of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name signifies 'weary' and has been a popular name in various cultures, often used in different forms such as Leah in English and Lea in Roma
Cultural significance
Lea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weary.
Peak popularity
Reached #397 in 1970 — currently #848 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lea?
Lea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lea Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lea right now?
Declining — down 15 spots — currently #848 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #848 | 321 | ▼ down 15 · -2% births |
| 2024 | #833 | 327 | ▼ down 31 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #802 | 349 | ▼ down 18 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #784 | 362 | ▼ down 26 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #758 | 377 | ▼ down 9 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #749 | 360 | ▼ down 12 · -6% births |
| 2015 | #737 | 381 | ▼ down 168 · -26% births |
| 2010 | #569 | 513 | ▲ up 31 · +8% births |
| 2005 | #600 | 473 | ▲ up 63 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #663 | 367 | ▼ down 14 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #649 | 332 | ▼ down 133 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #516 | 466 | ▲ up 12 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #528 | 378 | ▼ down 71 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #457 | 464 | ▲ up 9 · +15% births |
| 1975 | #466 | 403 | — |
The story of Lea
Lea has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 32,713 babies have received this name. Lea is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lea in 1970:
Lea by decade
Lea peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 104 | |
| 1890s | 208 | |
| 1900s | 247 | |
| 1910s | 673 | |
| 1920s | 804 | |
| 1930s | 752 | |
| 1940s | 1,173 | |
| 1950s | 2,951 | |
| 1960s ★ | 4,553 | |
| 1970s | 4,494 | |
| 1980s | 3,985 | |
| 1990s | 3,829 | |
| 2000s | 4,249 | |
| 2010s | 4,331 | |
| 2020s | 1,008 | |
What are good nicknames for Lea?
Famous people named Lea
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Lea (historical figure)
Lea bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lea also consider these
How is Lea written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lea
What does the name Lea mean?
Lea means "weary" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lea?
Lea is currently ranked #802 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lea?
Lea originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Lea sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Lea flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Lea ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Lea a common or rare name?
Lea is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.