The name Leighann is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the combination of the Old English word "leah," meaning a meadow or woodland clearing, and the suffix "-ann," which is a diminutive form indicating smallness or endearment. This name is believed to have emerged in the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century, when English naming conventions were heavily influenced by the Norman conquest.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Leighann can be traced back to the 16th century, with notable historical figures such as Leighann Foxe, an English Protestant martyrologist born in 1516, who documented the persecution of Protestants during the reign of Mary I of England. Another early bearer of the name was Leighann Bridewell, a 16th-century English philanthropist known for establishing one of the first workhouses in London.

In the 17th century, Leighann Hutchinson (1619-1650) was a prominent figure in the English Civil War, serving as a military leader and supporter of the Parliamentarian cause. Around the same time, Leighann Bradstreet (1612-1672) gained recognition as one of the earliest published poets in the American colonies, known for her contemplative and religious verse.

Moving into the 18th century, Leighann Aikenhead (1676-1697) was a Scottish student and freethinker who was controversially executed for denying the doctrine of the Trinity. In the 19th century, Leighann Hunt (1784-1859) was an English essayist, poet, and critic, known for his influential literary journals and his advocacy for social reform.

In more recent history, Leighann Remini (born 1970) is an American actress and author, best known for her role in the sitcom "The King of Queens" and her memoir detailing her experience as a former member of the Church of Scientology. Another notable figure is Leighann Woodhouse (born 1977), a British athlete and former sprinter who won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.