Leah

Meaning & Origin

Leah comes from the Hebrew Le’ah, often interpreted as “weary” or, alternatively, linked to a word meaning “gazelle.” In the Hebrew Bible, Leah is Jacob’s first wife and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Popularity

Leah has remained a steady, beloved choice across the US, UK, and Israel for decades, appreciated for its soft, simple sound.

Nicknames & Variations

• Lee
• Leah is rarely shortened further

Similar Names

• Hannah
• Naomi
• Rachel
• Mia

Personality & Trivia

Leah is often seen as gentle and enduring, a Hebrew name generally understood to mean “weary” or, by another reading, “gazelle,” carried by the eldest wife of Jacob in the Bible. Its soft, timeless sound has kept it a lasting favorite.

Famous People Named Leah

• Leah Remini, actress
• Leah, the biblical matriarch and mother of six of Jacob’s twelve sons

Quick Facts

• Gender: Girl
• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: Weary, or gazelle
• Pronunciation: LEE-uh