Leia
“weary” — Associated with the meaning 'weary
American origin · Girl name
#297US 2025
1kBirths / yr
↓Falling
15kAll-time births
📅 Since 194900.07% of births at peak
How to pronounce Leia
LEE·ah
/ˈliː.ɑ/ · stress on LEE · 2 syllables
“weary”
Associated with the meaning 'weary · American origin
What does Leia mean and where does it come from?
Leia is a name of Hebrew and Latin origins. In Hebrew, 'Leia' (לֵיאָה) is associated with the meaning 'weary.' The name became widely recognized due to the character Princess Leia from the 'Star Wars' franchise, played by Carrie Fisher. The character represents leadership and strength and has had a
Cultural significance
Leia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weary.
Peak popularity
Reached #282 in 2017 — currently #297 in the US.
How popular is Leia right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #297 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Leia
Leia entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. A total of 12,886 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5968 in 1950 to #211 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leia in 2017:
Leia by decade
Leia peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 7 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 220 | |
| 1970s | 518 | |
| 1980s | 974 | |
| 1990s | 764 | |
| 2000s | 2,101 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,208 | |
| 2020s | 3,210 |
What are good nicknames for Leia?
Common
LeiieLeiy
How is Leia written in other languages?
Λεια
Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Leia
What does the name Leia mean?
Leia means "weary" — 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 Leia?
Leia is currently ranked #211 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leia have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Leia?
Leia 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 Leia?
Leia is a two-syllable name pronounced LEE-ah. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leia trending right now?
Leia is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.