Rising since 1993, #297 for girls today.
Popularity of Leia since 1949
Babies named Leia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 220 |
| 1970s | 518 |
| 1980s | 974 |
| 1990s | 764 |
| 2000s | 2,103 |
| 2010s | 7,238 |
| 2020s | 6,938 |
Meaning & origin
Leia is a name of Hawaiian and Hebrew origins that saw a dramatic rise in popularity following the 1977 film Star Wars, which introduced Princess Leia Organa. The name was virtually unknown before the film; it first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1949 but remained extremely rare for decades. Starting in 1993, the name began a steady upward trajectory, and it reached its peak rank in 2023. As of 2025, Leia ranks 297th nationally, with about 1 in 1556 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is especially popular in Hawaii, Delaware, and New Mexico, reflecting its Hawaiian heritage and modern appeal.
Leia is believed to derive from the Hawaiian name Lēʻa, meaning 'child of heaven' or 'joy', but it is also considered a variant of the Hebrew name Leah, meaning 'weary'. The name gained widespread popularity after the release of the Star Wars franchise in 1977, featuring Princess Leia Organa. Prior to that, Leia was rare in the United States, first recorded in the Social Security data in 1949.
Where Leia 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.
“Leia” around the world
Where Leia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
210
babies in 2024
Ireland
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lea
Sibling names for Leia
Names that share Leia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Luna, Nova, Aria, Sara, Maya, Renata, Lailani, Naia, Ryah, Lilo, Mana, Nani, Taiya, Hiya, Jaia, Jatoria, Kaula, Keia, Miaya, Pachia, Padme, Sua, Salia, Ahsoka, Daia, Denai, Desia, Giah, Jadea, Kuulei, Naiah, Naleia, Tayia, Zyanne
Brothers: Liam, Noah, Kai, Ethan, Leo, Anakin, Kylo, Lando, Revan, Xian, Dre, Jedi, Jerik, Tandre, Tkai, Toa, Zahki
Names like Leia
Names whose popularity has moved with Leia's over the last 50 years.
