Leah: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Leah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Weary
Assyrian: Mistress, ruler

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Leah is pronounced lee-uh

The name Leah has origins rooted in the Hebrew language and the Old Testament. Leah is a Biblical name, referring to the first wife of Jacob and mother to six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Derived from the Hebrew word le'ah, the meaning of Leah is often interpreted as "weary" in Hebrew, but it can also be traced back to Assyrian origins, where it is thought to mean "mistress" or "ruler."

Girl name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Kate Gosselin

Leah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Leah Clearwater from The Twilight Saga - A member of the Quileute tribe and the only female werewolf, Leah is tough, resilient, and struggles with her newfound abilities.
Leah Murphy from Grey's Anatomy - A surgical resident at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Leah faces numerous personal and professional challenges as she strives to become a skilled surgeon.
Leah Patterson-Baker from Home and Away - Leah is a beloved long-term character in this Australian soap opera, known for her resilience and strong family ties.
Leah Burke from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda - A close friend of the protagonist Simon, Leah is witty and loyal, dealing with her personal insecurities throughout the novel.
Leah Price from The Poisonwood Bible - One of the four daughters of a missionary family, Leah's character undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the novel.

Popularity of the Name Leah

According to Social Security Administration data, Leah has maintained a steady presence in the rankings of baby names in the United States. In recent years, Leah has consistently been in the top 50, reaching its peak at number 24 in 2010 and remaining popular through 2023.

Leah is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "weary" or "delicate." Historically, Leah is a significant Biblical figure, being the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Notable people named Leah include actress Leah Remini and writer Leah Johnson. In fiction, characters named Leah have appeared in media such as Twilight, The Walking Dead, The Lovely Bones, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. These appearances in popular culture have helped sustain the name's popularity over time.