Leith

“Scottish Gaelic”

Scottish origin · Unisex name

♂ 84% boys♀ 16% girls

#1402US 2023

798Births / yr

→Stable

705All-time births

📅 Since 194100

How to pronounce Leith

LEETH

/ˈliːθ/ · stress on LEETH · 1 syllable

“Scottish Gaelic”

Scottish origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Leith right now?

Holding steady — currently #1402 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#1402 · Top 1.0%

1960

1965

1970

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leith

Best Year2023Rank #1402

Peak Count798

Average Rank#3728

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 20236 years

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:

Mary Barbara Patricia Linda Carol

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?

Common

LeiLeieLey

What names sound and feel like Leith?

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

Keith

English · Scottish Gaelic

English · A clearing in

Eith

Welsh · Notable, distinguished

Leath

English · Old English

Laith

Arabic · Lion, symbolizing courage

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.