Find out how popular the first name Aleigh has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aleigh by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Aleigh is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aleigh.

The history of the first name Aleigh

The given name Aleigh is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "leah," which means a meadow, clearing, or woodland glade. The name's earliest recorded use dates back to the 13th century in various regions of England.

In the Middle Ages, Aleigh was a relatively uncommon name, primarily found among families in rural areas or those associated with forestry or agricultural pursuits. The name's connection to nature and the countryside likely contributed to its appeal and meaning during this period.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Aleigh was Aleigh de Wodeham, a 14th-century English philosopher and theologian who was a prominent figure at the University of Oxford. His works on logic and metaphysics were influential during the Scholastic period.

In the 16th century, a variant spelling of the name, "Aleighe," appears in historical records, such as the baptismal records of St. Mary's Church in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England. This spelling variation highlights the evolution and regional variations of the name over time.

During the Renaissance era, the name Aleigh gained some popularity among the English gentry and nobility. One notable individual was Aleigh Cholmondeley (1556-1625), a member of the Cholmondeley family of Cheshire, who served as a member of Parliament and held various positions in the court of King James I.

In the 18th century, a famous bearer of the name was Aleigh Drummond (1716-1789), a Scottish nobleman and politician who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh and was a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment. His patronage of the arts and sciences contributed to the cultural renaissance of the time.

Another significant figure was Aleigh Marlow (1781-1853), an English poet and playwright who gained recognition for his works in the Romantic era. His poetic works often explored themes of nature and the countryside, reflecting the name's connection to the natural world.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Aleigh remained relatively uncommon but was still used sporadically, particularly in rural areas of England and among families with a connection to the countryside or forestry traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aleigh was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aleigh, please contact us.

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