Declining since 2012, #3,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Aleigha since 1981
Babies named Aleigha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 128 |
| 1990s | 541 |
| 2000s | 1,542 |
| 2010s | 2,208 |
| 2020s | 448 |
Meaning & origin
Aleigha is a respelling of Aaliyah, a name that rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to the singer Aaliyah. It first appeared on U.S. records in 1981, and its peak year was 2012, after which it has been on a declining trajectory. The states where it is most common are Ohio and Texas. With a rank of 3,067 in 2025, it remains rare enough to feel distinctive but recognizable. The variant spelling with an 'e' gives it a softened, modern twist while keeping the lyrical sound of the original. Parents choosing Aleigha often appreciate its connection to Arabic roots while enjoying a spelling that feels uniquely tailored.
Aleigha is a respelling of Aaliyah, which derives from the Arabic root 'l-y-w' meaning 'to be high, exalted.' The name entered English-speaking usage through African American communities in the late 20th century, gaining popularity after the singer Aaliyah (1979-2001). This variant substitutes 'e' for 'a' in the first syllable, a common pattern in modern name coinages.
Where Aleigha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aleigha” around the world
Where Aleigha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Leigh, Ali
Sibling names for Aleigha
Names that share Aleigha's style, for a brother or sister.
