Aleigha first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Aleigha has been for the last 44 years (from 1981 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Aleigha

A feminine diminutive form of Alexa or Alexandra, meaning "defender of mankind".

Popularity of Aleigha by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Aleigha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 67 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aleigha.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024067
2023068
2022064
2021097
2020099
20190119
20180140
20170171
20160181
20150219
20140241
20130294
20120315
20110267
20100252
20090233
20080174
20070146
20060178
20050126
20040147
20030125
20020152
20010130
20000130
1999091
1998091
1997069
1996060
1995059
1994058
1993030
1992030
1991026
1990027
1989018
1988017
198709
1986015
1985014
1984012
198309
1982022
1981012

The history of the first name Aleigha

The name Aleigha is believed to have its origins in the ancient Celtic culture, tracing back to the region now known as Ireland and Scotland. It is derived from the old Gaelic words "ail" meaning "rock" or "stone" and "ighean" meaning "maiden" or "young woman". The earliest recorded spelling of the name was "Aileagh", which later evolved into various forms like "Aleagh", "Aleagha", and eventually "Aleigha".

In ancient Celtic folklore, the name Aleigha was associated with strength, resilience, and a connection to the earth. It was often given to daughters born in remote mountainous regions, symbolizing their ability to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Aleigha can be found in the ancient Irish annals known as the Annals of the Four Masters, which date back to the 7th century AD. These annals mention an Irish noblewoman named Aleigha of the Uí Briúin dynasty, who played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Aleigha. One such person was Aleigha MacLean (1570-1648), a Scottish chieftain from the Isle of Mull, who was known for her bravery and leadership during the clan wars of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Another prominent figure was Aleigha O'Donnell (1685-1755), an Irish poet and harpist from County Donegal, whose works celebrated the rich cultural heritage of her homeland. Her compositions were widely acclaimed and helped preserve the traditional Gaelic music and language.

In the realm of literature, Aleigha Macdonald (1810-1891) was a Scottish writer and folklorist who documented the traditional tales and legends of the Hebrides islands. Her collection of stories, known as the "Folklore of the Western Isles", remains an invaluable resource for historians and scholars studying Celtic culture.

More recently, Aleigha Fitzpatrick (1920-2005) was an American artist and sculptor, renowned for her sculptures depicting the beauty and strength of the female form. Her works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States.

Lastly, Aleigha Browning (1946-present) is a British actress and writer, best known for her roles in several popular television series, including "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Coronation Street". She has also authored several acclaimed books, both fiction and non-fiction, exploring themes of family, relationships, and self-discovery.

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 Aleigha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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