Declining since 2011, #4,265 for girls today.
Popularity of Leiah since 1963
Babies named Leiah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 38 |
| 1980s | 105 |
| 1990s | 114 |
| 2000s | 325 |
| 2010s | 590 |
| 2020s | 256 |
Meaning & origin
Leiah is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Leah, first recorded in the US in 1963. It reached its highest usage in 2012, ranking 4,265 in 2025, where about 1 in 48,705 newborn girls received the name. Since 2011, its frequency has been gradually falling, reflecting the broader trend of parents moving away from creatively-spelled biblical names. The name is most common in Texas, Florida, and California. Leiah's appeal lies in its soft, melodic sound and connection to a well-known biblical figure, while the distinctive spelling adds a contemporary touch. Despite its decline, Leiah remains a recognizable yet uncommon choice that balances tradition with individuality.
Leiah is typically considered a variant spelling of Leah, a name from the Hebrew Bible. The biblical Leah's name is traditionally interpreted as 'weary' or related to a word for 'cow.' An alternative derivation connects it to the Latin 'laevia,' meaning 'smooth' or 'olive tree.' The spelling Leiah emerged in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by other -iah names like Isaiah or Mariah, and has seen modest use in the United States since the 1960s.
Where Leiah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lea, Lei
Sibling names for Leiah
Names that share Leiah's style, for a brother or sister.
