Declining since 2011, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Leyah since 1994
Babies named Leyah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 356 |
| 2010s | 630 |
| 2020s | 211 |
Meaning & origin
Leyah is a modern respelling that first appeared in U.S. records in 1994, reflecting a broader trend of creative variants of classic biblical names. Its highest rank was in 2011, when it reached a peak year, but it has been falling in use since then, as noted in the trajectory data. The name is most popular in California and Texas, where its soft sound and familiar feel appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet simple choice. With 1 in 57,402 girls receiving the name in 2025, it remains a rare but recognizable option, especially for those who appreciate the style of names like Aaliyah or Maya.
Leyah is a modern respelling of the biblical name Leah, which appears in the Old Testament as the first wife of Jacob. The original Hebrew name לֵאָה (Le'ah) is traditionally said to mean 'weary' or 'delicate,' though its etymology is uncertain. Leyah emerged as a variant in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Aaliyah or Kayla.
Where Leyah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Leyah” around the world
Where Leyah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lea, Lele
Sibling names for Leyah
Names that share Leyah's style, for a brother or sister.
