The nameLeia

Leia is a girl's name made famous by Princess Leia of Star Wars. It is linked to the Hebrew Leah.

Meaning

Leia is usually linked to Leah, from the Hebrew Le'ah, often read as "weary" or "wild cow". George Lucas did not explain where he took it from.

Origin

American. George Lucas gave the name to Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars (1977).

History

Leia rose after the death of the actress Carrie Fisher in 2016 and reached the American top 220.

Famous people named Leia

Popularity of the name Leia

Leia in the United States

290thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (1,424 births)
17,736babies named Leia in the United States since 1880
07121,424 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Leia was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 7,236 births over the decade, 41% of all recorded babies named Leia. Its rise began around 1978, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Leia in the United States were born before 2017, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 1,180 births a year on average, against 1,004 in the five years before.

Leia in the United Kingdom

428thmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2022peak year (188 births)
3,042babies named Leia in the United Kingdom since 1997
094188 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Leia was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,172 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Leia. Half of all babies named Leia in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 140 births a year.

Leia in France

209thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
2023peak year (375 births)
5,670babies named Leia in France since 1900
0188375 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Sibling names for Leia

Names from the same generation as Leia, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Leia? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Leia with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Leia side by side with the name of your choice.

Leia in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Leia mean?

Leia is usually linked to Leah, from the Hebrew Le'ah, often read as "weary" or "wild cow". George Lucas did not explain where he took it from.

What is the origin of the name Leia?

American. George Lucas gave the name to Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars (1977).

Is Leia a girl's or a boy's name?

Leia is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Leia?

In 2024, Leia was the 290th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 1,094 births.

What are good sibling names for Leia?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Evie, Raelynn, Zara and Vera for a sister, Ellis, Remy, Sullivan and Mathias for a brother.

Who are famous people named Leia?

Princess Leia Organa, Star Wars character.