Rising since 1985, #933 for girls today.
Popularity of Aleia since 1973
Babies named Aleia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 177 |
| 1990s | 362 |
| 2000s | 446 |
| 2010s | 740 |
| 2020s | 1,468 |
Meaning & origin
Aleia is a modern variant of the Arabic name Aaliyah, meaning 'exalted' or 'high'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1973 and has experienced a steady rise in use since 1985, reaching its peak so far in 2025 when it ranked 933rd with a frequency of 1 in 5,761 girls. The name is most popular in Hawaii, Arizona, and California, reflecting a broader trend of Arabic-origin names gaining traction in diverse regions. Aleia stands as a melodic alternative to the more common Aaliyah, offering a similar meaning with a slightly different spelling.
Aleia is a modern respelling of the Arabic name Aaliyah (عليّة), derived from the root 'l-w-y' meaning 'to be high' or 'exalted'. The name has gained popularity in English-speaking countries as an alternative to Aaliyah, often chosen for its graceful sound. It emerged in U.S. records in 1973 and has seen consistent use since the 1980s.
Where Aleia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aleia” around the world
Where Aleia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leia, Ali, Lea
Sibling names for Aleia
Names that share Aleia's style, for a brother or sister.
