What does Leith mean and where does it come from?
Leith is a name with Scottish origins, derived from the name of the River Leith in Scotland. While traditionally a male name, it has gained popularity for females as well in contemporary usage. The pronunciation is similar in both Gaelic and English contexts, which has allowed it to maintain cultura
Cultural significance
Leith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish gaelic.
Peak popularity
Reached #4031 in 1943 — currently #1402 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leith?
Leith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leith Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leith Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leith Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leith Claire
French influence · crisp
Leith Jane
Literary · strong
Leith Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leith right now?
Holding steady — currently #1402 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1402 | 798 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1407 | 778 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1412 | 748 | ▲ up 5856 · +12367% births |
| 1970 | #7268 | 6 | ▼ down 2304 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #4964 | 8 | ▲ up 951 · +33% births |
| 1960 | #5915 | 6 | — |
The story of Leith
Leith entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. With 705 total births recorded, Leith remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5915 in 1960 to #1402 in 2023. Leith is used for both genders: 16% female and 84% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leith in 1943:
Leith by decade
Leith peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 12 | |
| 1920s | 22 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1940s | 25 | |
| 1950s | 65 | |
| 1960s | 96 | |
| 1970s ★ | 110 | |
| 1980s | 85 | |
| 1990s | 82 | |
| 2000s | 80 | |
| 2010s | 105 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Leith has only 705 total recorded births since 1941 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Leith?
What names sound and feel like Leith?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leith also consider these
Common questions about the name Leith
What does the name Leith mean?
Leith means "Scottish Gaelic" — a name rooted in Scottish 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 Leith?
Leith is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Leith?
Leith originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish 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 Leith?
Leith is a one-syllable name pronounced L IY1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Leith sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Leith flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Leith ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.