Meaning, origin, history
Leelah is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "dancing." It is believed to have originated from the biblical character Leah, who was the sister of Rachel and wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. According to the story, Leah was loved by God but not by her husband Jacob, who preferred Rachel. Despite this, Leah remained devoted to her family and bore many children.
The name Leelah is often associated with strength, resilience, and devotion, qualities that Leah exhibited throughout her life. It is also a name that has gained popularity in recent years as a unisex option, although it is still relatively rare compared to other names.
In terms of its history, the name Leelah has only been used in small numbers over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name first appeared on the list of baby names registered in 1960 and reached its peak popularity in 2017 when it was given to 285 baby girls that year.
Overall, Leelah is a unique and meaningful name with deep roots in biblical history. Its association with strength and devotion makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter or son.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Leelah since 1880
Total births
408
Total since 1880
Peak year
2018
32 births
in 2023
16
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-14%
↘
vs previous 5 years