Leah

At a Glance: Name: Leah – Meaning: uncertain; possibly linked to a Proto-Semitic root for 'wild cow'; popularly read as 'weary' – Origin: Hebrew – Gender: Girl – Pronunciation: LEE-ah

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Leah is a Hebrew name, pronounced LEE-ah, with a timeless, classic feel rather than being tied to a passing trend. Its meaning isn't settled — some trace it to a Proto-Semitic root possibly meaning 'wild cow,' while it's popularly read as 'weary,' so it's worth knowing scholars don't agree on the origin story behind the sound.

Meaning & Origin of Leah

Meaning: Uncertain; possibly linked to a proto-semitic root for 'wild cow'; popularly read as 'weary'.

Origin: Hebrew.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Leah

Phonetic: LEE-ah   IPA: /ˈliːə/

Popularity of Leah

Leah has eased off its recent high point: it peaked at #24 in 2010 with 6,543 babies given the name, and by 2024 it sat at #53 with 3,969 babies.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1880–2024.

Make Leah Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Leah, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.

Names With a Similar Story

Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.

• Abby
• Abigail
• Ariella
• Brielle
• Daniela
• Daniella

FAQ

What does the name Leah mean?

Uncertain; possibly linked to a proto-semitic root for ‘wild cow’; popularly read as ‘weary’. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Leah)

How do you pronounce Leah?

Leah is pronounced LEE-ah (IPA: /ˈliːə/).

Is Leah a popular name right now?

Leah peaked at #24 in 2010 and is ranked #53 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

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