What does Leigh mean and where does it come from?
Leigh is a name of English origin, often seen as a variant of 'Lee'. It originally referred to a location or clearing in a wooded area. The name became popular in England in the 19th century and has variations that can also be found in the names of places throughout the UK. Leigh is unisex but is mo
Cultural significance
Leigh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a clearing in a forest; meadow..
Peak popularity
Reached #201 in 1969 — currently #4504 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Leigh?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Leigh?
Leigh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leigh Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Leigh Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Leigh Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Leigh Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Leigh Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Leigh Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Leigh right now?
Falling — down 1068 spots — currently #4504 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4504 | 31 | ▼ down 1068 · -33% births |
| 2024 | #3436 | 46 | ▲ up 512 · +21% births |
| 2023 | #3948 | 38 | ▼ down 972 · -32% births |
| 2022 | #2976 | 56 | ▲ up 549 · +27% births |
| 2021 | #3525 | 44 | ▲ up 289 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #3814 | 37 | ▼ down 424 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #3390 | 47 | ▼ down 133 · -6% births |
| 2010 | #3257 | 50 | ▼ down 584 · -21% births |
| 2005 | #2673 | 63 | ▼ down 1181 · -49% births |
| 2000 | #1492 | 123 | ▼ down 641 · -47% births |
| 1995 | #851 | 230 | ▼ down 383 · -56% births |
| 1990 | #468 | 522 | ▼ down 156 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #312 | 773 | ▼ down 94 · -34% births |
| 1980 | #218 | 1,178 | ▲ up 10 · +11% births |
| 1975 | #228 | 1,065 | — |
The story of Leigh
Leigh entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. A total of 45,119 babies have received this name. Leigh is used for both genders: 89% female and 11% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leigh in 1969:
Leigh by decade
Leigh peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 33 | |
| 1890s | 50 | |
| 1900s | 16 | |
| 1910s | 270 | |
| 1920s | 472 | |
| 1930s | 537 | |
| 1940s | 1,590 | |
| 1950s | 5,021 | |
| 1960s | 11,478 | |
| 1970s ★ | 12,011 | |
| 1980s | 9,050 | |
| 1990s | 3,155 | |
| 2000s | 836 | |
| 2010s | 554 | |
| 2020s | 123 | |
What are good nicknames for Leigh?
What names sound and feel like Leigh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leigh also consider these
What are the boy versions of Leigh?
Common questions about the name Leigh
What does the name Leigh mean?
Leigh means "A clearing in a forest; meadow." — a name rooted in English 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 Leigh?
Leigh is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Leigh?
Leigh originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Leigh sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Leigh flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Leigh ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Leigh a common or rare name?
Leigh is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.