All about the name

Leanna

Male

« Leanna is a Welsh name meaning "little bird," derived from "lleu" meaning "leader" and "-anna" denoting smallness or femininity. »

#42708 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Leanna is a unique and beautiful female given name with an interesting history and meaning behind it. The name Leanna is of Welsh origin and means "little bird." It is derived from the Welsh word "lleu," which means "leader," and the suffix "-anna," which denotes smallness or femininity. This makes Leanna a unisex name that has been used primarily for girls since the 19th century. One theory suggests that Leanna may have originated as a pet form of the Welsh male given name Llewellyn, which was popular among Welsh royalty during the Middle Ages. However, it is also possible that Leanna emerged independently as a name meaning "little bird," inspired by the beauty and freedom of birds in flight. Leanna became more widely used in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era (1837-1901), when there was a trend towards using exotic and unusual names for children. It gained popularity alongside other Welsh-inspired names such as Llanelli, Llewella, and Leoline. Today, Leanna continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. Its Welsh origins give it an air of ancient elegance, while its meaning conveys a sense of grace and independence. Some famous people named Leanna include Canadian actress Leanna Noble, American singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes, and British musician Leanne Barry. However, despite its growing popularity over the years, Leanna remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional female given names like Sarah or Emily.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Leanna since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
5 births
in 1987
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years