Declining since 1985, #4,460 for girls today.
Popularity of Leigh since 1882
Babies named Leigh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 33 |
| 1890s | 0 | 50 |
| 1900s | 0 | 16 |
| 1910s | 49 | 221 |
| 1920s | 101 | 371 |
| 1930s | 127 | 410 |
| 1940s | 791 | 799 |
| 1950s | 4,081 | 943 |
| 1960s | 10,705 | 768 |
| 1970s | 11,411 | 600 |
| 1980s | 8,457 | 591 |
| 1990s | 2,986 | 171 |
| 2000s | 768 | 69 |
| 2010s | 513 | 43 |
| 2020s | 253 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
The name Leigh, rooted in Old English 'leah' meaning a woodland clearing or meadow, has been in use as a given name in the United States since at least 1912. It reached its peak popularity in 1969, when it ranked highest among U.S. births. Since 1985, its usage has been on a downward trajectory, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century names. Despite its decline, Leigh remains a familiar choice, often used as a unisex alternative to the more common spelling Lee. Its simplicity and connection to nature give it a quiet appeal, though it now stands out as a less frequent option among modern baby names.
Leigh is ultimately derived from Old English 'leah', meaning a woodland clearing or meadow. It originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near such a place, and later became a given name. Historically, Leigh has been used for both boys and girls, though it has been more common for girls in recent decades, often as a feminine variant of Lee.
Where Leigh 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Leigh
Names that share Leigh's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Leigh
Names whose popularity has moved with Leigh's over the last 50 years.
