Declining since 2011, #848 for girls today.
Popularity of Lea since 1880
Babies named Lea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 104 |
| 1890s | 186 |
| 1900s | 234 |
| 1910s | 590 |
| 1920s | 663 |
| 1930s | 671 |
| 1940s | 1,099 |
| 1950s | 2,889 |
| 1960s | 4,493 |
| 1970s | 4,453 |
| 1980s | 3,944 |
| 1990s | 3,831 |
| 2000s | 4,250 |
| 2010s | 4,341 |
| 2020s | 2,100 |
Meaning & origin
Lea is a name with dual heritage, both Hebrew and English, giving it layered appeal. As a Hebrew variant of Leah, it carries the ancient meaning 'weary,' while the English usage connects to pastoral imagery of a meadow. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 848 in 1970, with a resurgence in the 1970s as a nature-inspired choice. Since 2011, its popularity has been gradually declining, currently ranking 848 in 2025 with approximately 1 in 5,007 girls receiving the name. Geographically, Lea has seen the strongest usage in Mississippi, New York, and New Jersey, reflecting both Southern and urban preferences. Its short, vowel-ending sound remains appealing for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name, distinct from the more common Leah or Lia.
Lea has two distinct origins. As a Hebrew name, it is a variant spelling of Leah, meaning 'weary' or 'delicate.' As an English name, it derives from the Old English word 'lēah,' meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' The name has been in use since the Protestant Reformation in its Hebrew sense and as a nature name in English-speaking countries.
Where Lea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lea” around the world
Where Lea lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#34
in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Quebec
#12
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lele
Sibling names for Lea
Names that share Lea's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Emma, Sophie, Anna, Clara, Kia, Niki, Tia, Dea, La, Mea, Pa, Rea, Sia, Tea, Aza, Dezi, Eri, Ka, Kae, Kyia, Loa, Marea, Melea, Meya, Nea, Noni, Rut, Acy, Adri, Aury, Bri, Cay, Dia, Emilija, Kea, Klea, Na, Nai, Ree, Tya, Ameli, Anyi, Gabi, Ia, Lai, Mirela, Morgane, Naw, Nesa, Rhia, Shuree, Sya, Ta, Zi
Brothers: Noah, Ethan, Liam, Lucas, Oliver, Hugo, Adi, Jona, Kee, Luc, Yohan, Josua, Marico, Reo, Tri, Yoan, Da, Kalev, Keo, Ky, Min, Tion, Tra, Zae, Zaul, Zlatan, Cha, Joa, Raun
