Find out how popular the first name Loah has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Loah by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Loah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Loah.

The history of the first name Loah

The name Loah is believed to have its origins in ancient Sumerian culture, which flourished in Mesopotamia around 3500-2000 BCE. It is derived from the Sumerian word "lu-a," meaning "to shine" or "to be radiant." The name has been associated with brightness, light, and celestial bodies, reflecting the Sumerians' deep reverence for celestial phenomena.

One of the earliest known references to the name Loah can be found in a cuneiform tablet dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. This tablet, discovered in the ancient city of Ur, mentions a person named "Lu-ah," which is believed to be an early variant of Loah. The name was likely bestowed upon individuals who were seen as possessing a radiant or luminous quality.

In ancient Sumerian mythology, there is a reference to a minor deity named Loah, who was associated with the morning star, Venus. This deity was revered as a bringer of light and was often depicted in artwork and religious texts from that period.

The name Loah has been carried through various cultures and civilizations over the centuries. One notable figure was Loah of Antioch, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century CE. She was executed for her faith during the Roman persecution of Christians under the rule of Emperor Diocletian.

During the Middle Ages, the name Loah appeared in several European regions, though it was relatively uncommon. One notable bearer was Loah de Montfort, a 13th-century noblewoman from the House of Montfort in France.

In the 16th century, there was a Loah Almeida, a Portuguese explorer and navigator who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on his famous voyage around the world. Almeida was one of the few survivors of the ill-fated expedition and played a crucial role in documenting the journey.

Another notable figure was Loah Bancroft, an American historian and ethnologist born in 1800. She was a pioneer in the field of Native American studies and wrote extensively about the indigenous cultures of the American West.

In the 19th century, Loah Gerster was a German artist and painter known for her vibrant landscapes and portraits. She was born in 1846 and was a prominent figure in the Düsseldorf School of Painting.

While the name Loah has remained relatively rare throughout history, its association with light, radiance, and celestial bodies has endured, reflecting the enduring influence of ancient Sumerian culture and mythology.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!