Leelah

“night” — Associated with beauty and mystery

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#7106US 2023

16Births / yr

↓Falling

358All-time births

📅 Since 200000

How to pronounce Leelah

luh·EL·AH

/lə.ˈɛl.ˈɑ/ · stress on EL · 3 syllables

“night”

Associated with beauty and mystery · American origin

What does Leelah mean and where does it come from?

The name Leelah is of Arabic and Hebrew origin. In Arabic, it translates to 'night' and is often associated with beauty and mystery. In Hebrew, it is interpreted as 'God's promise'. The name gained popularity in the United States around the early 21st century, particularly following media discussion

Cultural significance

Leelah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.

Peak popularity

Reached #4411 in 2018 — currently #7106 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Leelah?

Leelah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Leelah Grace

How popular is Leelah right now?

Falling — down 993 spots — currently #7106 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#7106 · Top 5.2%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7106	16	▼ down 993 · -20% births
2022	#6113	20	▲ up 2175 · +54% births
2021	#8288	13	▼ down 99
2020	#8189	13	▼ down 2405 · -43% births
2015	#5784	23	▼ down 384 · -12% births
2010	#5400	26	▲ up 12787 · +420% births
2005	#18187	5	▼ down 822
2000	#17365	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leelah

Best Year2010Rank #5400

Peak Count26

Average Rank#9554

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Leelah

Leelah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2000. With 358 total births recorded, Leelah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #17365 in 2000 to #7106 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Leelah in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Leelah by decade

Leelah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	92
2010s ★	253
2020s	13

💎Leelah has only 358 total recorded births since 2000 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Leelah?

Common

LeeLeelLeelieLeelyElah

What names sound and feel like Leelah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leelah also consider these

American · A variant of

Arabic · ليلى - means

Leneah

American · English

Common questions about the name Leelah

What does the name Leelah mean?

Leelah means "night" — a name rooted in American 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 Leelah?

Leelah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Leelah?

Leelah originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Leelah?

Leelah is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 EH1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Leelah?

Leelah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.