LEAH
Leah
Origin and Meaning
Leah is a British surname of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Le'ah", meaning "weary" or "tired". The name has ancient biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Leah is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, with a concentration of individuals bearing this name in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. The frequency of the Leah surname is relatively low compared to more common British surnames.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the surname Leah include:
- Mary Leah, a philanthropist and social reformer known for her work in promoting education for women in the 19th century.
- David Leah, a prominent British historian renowned for his research on medieval Britain.
- Rebecca Leah, a contemporary artist whose works have been exhibited in several prestigious galleries.
Variants
Variants of the Leah surname include Leigh, Lee, and Lea. These variations may have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects and phonetic adaptations over time.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms associated with the Leah surname typically features heraldic elements such as symbols representing wisdom, strength, and familial heritage. These coats of arms are often intricately designed and can vary based on the specific family line.
Legacy
The Leah surname carries a legacy of resilience and familial ties, reflecting the enduring nature of family connections over generations. Through its Hebrew origins and biblical associations, the name Leah continues to evoke themes of endurance and strength in contemporary British society.
There are approximately 1,613 people named Leah in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,034th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Leah.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Philip
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Gemma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Louise
- Rebecca
- Susan