Leigh
Leigh is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Meadow, clearing, or delicate.
Origin and history
Leigh is an English name derived from an Old English surname meaning meadow or pasture. Originally used as both a surname and a given name, it gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States. Today, it is less common as a standalone female name but remains a classic middle name and a frequent element in compound names.
Popularity in the United States
40,242 babies in the United States have been named Leigh since 1880. It ranks #683 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1848.
States where it is most popular
- TX (8 %)
- NC (5.9 %)
- NY (5.6 %)
- PA (5.5 %)
- GA (5.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 49 |
| 1920-1930 | 101 |
| 1930-1940 | 127 |
| 1940-1950 | 791 |
| 1950-1960 | 4,081 |
| 1960-1970 | 10,705 |
| 1970-1980 | 11,411 |
| 1980-1990 | 8,457 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,986 |
| 2000-2010 | 768 |
| 2010-2019 | 513 |
| 2020-2029 | 253 |
Famous people named Leigh
- Leigh Taylor-Young: Actress
- Leigh Nash: Singer, Songwriter
- Leigh Bardugo: Author
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Old English word 'leah', which described an open area of land or pasture.
- It shares its root and pronunciation with the name Lee, with Leigh historically favored for feminine or surname uses.