Leah: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired".It derives from the Hebrew word "lê'âh > leah".
Leah has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Leah
Quick facts about Leah
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
lê'âh > leah
Other Scripts
Hebrew (לֵאָה)
How to Pronounce Leah
Leah is pronounced /ˈliː.ə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Lea-h
Say it like: "LEA-H"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Leah enjoys international appeal, used in 10 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, norwegian, irish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Leah means "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress.". The name comes from lê'âh > leah. In its original form, the name derives from Lê'âh (לֵאָה) Leíā (Λείᾱ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Leah for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Leah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Leah?
Leah is a hebrew name. The name traces back to lê'âh > leah. The original form Lê'âh (לֵאָה) Leíā (Λείᾱ) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Leah is written as Hebrew (לֵאָה). From its hebrew roots, Leah spread to become common in english, norwegian, irish, swedish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Leah a boy or girl name?
Leah is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Leah has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal. Leah ranks among the more popular girl's names, suggesting many parents find it appealing.
How do you pronounce Leah?
Leah is pronounced "/ˈliː.ə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (לֵאָה), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Leah is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, norwegian, irish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Leah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root lê'âh > leah influences how Leah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Leah?
Leah is popular and well-recognized. Leah falls into the sweet spot of recognizable but not overused. People will know how to spell and pronounce it, yet your child probably won't share it with three classmates. Leah's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Leah holds its own, appealing to parents who value classic choices.
Where is the name Leah commonly used?
Leah spans multiple cultures, including english, norwegian, irish, and 7 other traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Leah, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Leah into their naming traditions. A child named Leah will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Leah is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Leah?
Leah carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “lê'âh,” Ancient Greek “Leíā (Λείᾱ),” meaning “weary, tired.” Leah was the daughter of Laban, the first wife of Jacob, and mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. Saint Lea is a 3rd-century saint in the Roman Catholic Church on Jerome’s authority, about whom little is definitively known. In a letter to Saint Marcella, the church’s father, Saint Jerome, she was a widow who retired to a Roman convent of consecrated virgins. She became the prioress." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Leah originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Leah sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Leah often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.