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

Popularity of Leah by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,953 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leah.

The history of the first name Leah

The name Leah has its origins in the Hebrew language. It is derived from the Hebrew word "le'ah," which means "weary" or "tired." The name first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where Leah is the first wife of Jacob.

Leah was the daughter of Laban and the mother of six sons and one daughter. According to the biblical account, Leah was not initially loved by Jacob, as he preferred her younger sister Rachel. However, Leah became the mother of many of the tribes of Israel, including Judah, from whom the Jewish people trace their ancestry.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Leah outside of the Bible is found in ancient Greek inscriptions from around the 5th century BCE. This suggests that the name was known and used in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Throughout history, there have been several notable women named Leah. One of the most famous was Leah Goldberg (1911-1970), an Israeli poet, novelist, and playwright who was a leading figure in modern Hebrew literature. Her works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

Another notable Leah was Leah Ainslie (1883-1964), a British suffragette and activist who fought for women's rights and played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United Kingdom.

In the realm of science, Leah Edelstein-Keshet (born 1953) is a renowned Canadian mathematician and scientist known for her contributions to the field of mathematical biology.

Leah Chase (1923-2019) was an influential American chef and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in the desegregation of restaurants in New Orleans during the civil rights movement.

Leah Baird (1883-1971) was an American actress, director, and screenwriter who was one of the first women to direct feature films in Hollywood during the silent era.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Leah. The name continues to be popular across various cultures and regions, carrying with it a rich history and significance.

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

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

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