"weary"
Origin: Hebrew Leah
Language: Hebrew
Lea
Pronunciation: [ l-EE ]
Does Lea flow with your last name?
A sleek European classic with biblical roots
French
Italian
Spanish
German
Hebrew
American
Minimalist
Elegant
Classic
Gentle
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Lea
Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"meadow, open ground"
Origin: Latin/Old English lea
Language: Latin
"delicate, gentle"
Origin: French/Italian diminutive use
Language: French
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The Story of Lea
Lea exists as both a European variation of Leah (Hebrew meaning weary or wild cow) and as an independent name in several Latin-based languages. In French and Italian, Lea is a short form of names ending in -lea (such as Rosalia or Cornelia). It may also derive from the Latin word for meadow. The Hebrew Leah was the first wife of Jacob and mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Lea is consistently popular in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where it frequently ranks in the top 10. In the United States, it is less common than Leah but appreciated for its European sleekness and simplicity.
In French culture, Lea has been a top 5 name for multiple years in the 21st century. Lea Salonga, the Filipino singer who voiced Jasmine and Mulan in Disney films, gave the name global recognition.
Historical Record
Lea first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 29,973 babies have been named Lea in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lea is past its peak , currently ranked #834 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lea has been a top-5 girls name in France for most of the 2000s and 2010s
- Lea Salonga is the only person to have voiced two different Disney princesses (Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan)
Lea in Other Languages
French
Lea
German
Lea
Hebrew
Leah
Italian
Lea
Spanish
Lea
Portuguese
Lia
Popularity Over Time
#834
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1970
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lea
L
Lea Michele
Actor
1986
American actress and singer known for her role in Glee
L
Lea Salonga
Musician
1971
Filipino actress and singer who voiced Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Disney films
L
Leah (Biblical)
Religious
First wife of Jacob in the Hebrew Bible and mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #834
- Total SSA Count
- 324
- Cultural Origins
- French Italian Spanish German Hebrew American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lea
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lea is also used as a boy name, ranked #31113.
View Lea as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (French)
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Greek origin
"musical harmony, pleasant sound"
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"noble, high meadow"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lea
What does the name Lea mean?
"weary" (from Hebrew Leah). "meadow, open ground" (from Latin/Old English lea). "delicate, gentle" (from French/Italian diminutive use). Lea exists as both a European variation of Leah (Hebrew meaning weary or wild cow) and as an independent name in several Latin-based languages. In French and Italian, Lea is a short form of names ending in -lea (such as Rosalia or Cornelia). It may also derive from the Latin word for meadow. The Hebrew Leah was the first wife of Jacob and mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
What is the origin of the name Lea?
Lea has Hebrew Leah, Latin/Old English lea, French/Italian diminutive use, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Hebrew, and American origins. In Hebrew Leah, it means "weary". In Latin/Old English lea, it means "meadow, open ground". In French/Italian diminutive use, it means "delicate, gentle".
Is Lea a boy or girl name?
Lea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #834. As a boy name, it is ranked #31113. Lea is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lea?
Lea is pronounced l-EE.
How popular is the name Lea?
Lea is currently ranked #834 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lea?
Popular middle name pairings include Lea Marie, Lea Sophie, Lea Grace, Lea Victoria, Lea Claire, Lea Simone, and Lea Michelle.
What are good sibling names for Lea?
Names that pair well with Lea as siblings include Mia, Ines, Chloe, Sophie, Hugo, Theo, and Luca.
How many syllables does Lea have?
Lea has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lea a common or rare name?
Lea is moderately common, ranked #834 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Lea?
About the Name Lea
Lea is a girl name with French, Italian, Spanish, German, Hebrew, and American origins . The name means "weary" in Hebrew Leah .
Is Lea a boy or girl name? Lea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #834 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,113. Lea is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lea is currently ranked #834 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lea has 1 syllable and is pronounced l-EE, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Lea include Leah, Leanna, Leana, Leanne, Leann . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis