Lea
“Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference”
Popularity
58
/100
At a glance
Lea is a girl name with Hebrew roots, most associated with the idea of short form of leah, from the hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference.
Meaning
Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
LEE-ah
Name story
What Lea communicates
Lea is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced LEE-ah and sits at a popularity score of 58/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Lea feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Hebrew heritage or its core idea of "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Lea
- LLea Michele (American actress and singer)
- LLea Seydoux (French actress)
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Lea
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lea mean?
The name Lea means "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference". It is a name of Hebrew origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Hebrew naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Lea.
What is the origin of the name Lea?
Lea originates from Hebrew. Names of Hebrew origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Lea fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Lea a popular name?
Lea appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Lea sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Lea?
Names similar to Lea include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Lea but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Hebrew heritage or the same idea of "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference".
How do you pronounce Lea?
Lea is pronounced "LEE-ah". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Lea is said.
Is Lea a boy or a girl name?
Lea is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Hebrew roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Lea symbolize?
The name Lea symbolizes "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference". That theme gives Lea a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Lea a good baby name?
Lea is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Short form of Leah, from the Hebrew "le'ah" possibly meaning "weary" or from an Akkadian word meaning "cow"; also a meadow reference", has clear Hebrew heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.
