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