What does Leiah mean and where does it come from?
Leiah is a modern variant of the name Leah (לוּאָה) from Hebrew origins. Leah is a prominent biblical name, borne by one of the matriarchs in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, the name means 'weary' but has also been interpreted to mean 'delicate' or 'tired.' The spelling 'Leiah' reflects a contemporary
Cultural significance
Leiah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weary.
Peak popularity
Reached #2383 in 2012 — currently #3876 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leiah?
Leiah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leiah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leiah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leiah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leiah Claire
French influence · crisp
Leiah Jane
Literary · strong
Leiah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leiah right now?
Falling — down 192 spots — currently #3876 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3876 | 39 | ▼ down 192 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #3684 | 42 | ▼ down 497 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #3187 | 51 | ▲ up 94 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #3281 | 47 | ▼ down 16 · -6% births |
| 2015 | #3265 | 50 | ▼ down 649 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #2616 | 69 | ▲ up 806 · +57% births |
| 2005 | #3422 | 44 | ▲ up 5290 · +300% births |
| 2000 | #8712 | 11 | ▼ down 1002 |
| 1995 | #7710 | 11 | ▼ down 1436 · -21% births |
| 1990 | #6274 | 14 | ▼ down 414 · +17% births |
| 1985 | #5860 | 12 | ▼ down 738 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #5122 | 14 | ▲ up 4597 · +180% births |
| 1975 | #9719 | 5 | — |
The story of Leiah
Leiah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 1,224 total births recorded, Leiah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9719 in 1975 to #3876 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leiah in 2012:
Leiah by decade
Leiah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 38 | |
| 1980s | 105 | |
| 1990s | 114 | |
| 2000s | 325 | |
| 2010s ★ | 585 | |
| 2020s | 47 | |
💎With 1,224 total births, Leiah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leiah?
Famous people named Leiah
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Leiah (historical community leader)
Leiah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
L(
Leiah (historical figure)
Leiah 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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Leiah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leiah also consider these
Common questions about the name Leiah
What does the name Leiah mean?
Leiah 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 Leiah?
Leiah 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 Leiah?
Leiah 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 do you pronounce the name Leiah?
Leiah is a two-syllable name pronounced L EY1 AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leiah a common or rare name?
Leiah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.