Find out how popular the first name Lea has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lea by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lea is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Lea being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 349 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lea.

The history of the first name Lea

The name Lea has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "leah," which means "weary" or "tired." This name is found in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible, where Leah is the first wife of the patriarch Jacob and the mother of six of his sons.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lea is in the biblical text, where Leah is described as having "tender eyes." This physical description has led to various interpretations, with some suggesting it means she had delicate or gentle eyes, while others believe it refers to her eyes being weary or sad.

Throughout history, the name Lea has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the most famous was Lea Goldberg (1911-1970), an Israeli poet, playwright, and author who is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Hebrew literature. Her works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, and she is celebrated for her contributions to Israeli culture.

Another prominent figure with the name Lea was Lea Haller (1905-1997), a German-Swiss actress and singer. She was known for her roles in several German and Swiss films during the 1930s and 1940s, and she was also a respected cabaret performer.

In the realm of art, Lea Grundig (1906-1977) was a German painter and printmaker who was part of the Expressionist movement. Her works, which often depicted scenes of everyday life and the human figure, are held in collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The name Lea also has historical significance in the field of science. Lea Mendelssohn (1870-1965) was a German mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetic radiation and the theory of relativity. She worked alongside renowned scientists such as Max Planck and Albert Einstein.

Another notable figure with the name Lea was Lea Massari (born 1933), an Italian actress who gained international recognition for her performances in films such as "L'Avventura" and "The Odyssey." She won numerous awards throughout her career, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival in 1962.

While the name Lea has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture, it has been embraced and adapted by various cultures and societies throughout history, with numerous notable individuals bearing this name and leaving their mark in various fields.

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

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

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