Leia
Say it: LAY-a/ˈleɪ̯.ə/
GirlMeans made famous by Princess Leia of Star Wars4 letters2 syllables
#304
in Ireland (2025)
#308 with spellings combined
13
babies in 2025
#306
best rank (2022)
171
babies since 1998
Up 278
10-year rank change
Leia through the years
Compare with another name →Show the numbers
| Year | Babies (girls) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 | #308 |
| 2024 | 8 | #433 |
| 2023 | 9 | #394 |
| 2022 | 14 | #306 |
| 2021 | 11 | #364 |
| 2020 | 11 | #355 |
| 2019 | 6 | #546 |
| 2018 | 13 | #333 |
| 2017 | 5 | #654 |
| 2016 | 8 | #479 |
| 2015 | 6 | #586 |
| 2014 | 6 | #588 |
| 2013 | 5 | #664 |
| 2012 | 4 | #769 |
| 2011 | 13 | #361 |
| 2010 | 5 | #666 |
| 2009 | 4 | #742 |
| 2008 | 3 | #860 |
| 2007 | 4 | #704 |
| 2006 | 3 | #763 |
| 2005 | 3 | #690 |
| 2004 | 3 | #677 |
| 2003 | 3 | #655 |
| 2001 | 5 | #441 |
| 1998 | 6 | #345 |
Source: CSO, Irish Babies' Names (VSA50, VSA60), CC BY 4.0.
★ What does Leia mean?
Made famous by Princess Leia of Star Wars
A modern name from the Star Wars film (1977), also seen as a form of Leah.
Say it right
LAYa
Some people say LEE-a, the same as Leah.
The story of Leia
Leia owes its fame to Princess Leia Organa of Star Wars, first seen in 1977. George Lucas wanted names for his characters that sounded unusual but not strange. The name is often linked with Leah, the Hebrew name from the Bible, and some treat it as a spelling of it.
In the films Leia is a princess from the planet Alderaan who becomes a rebel leader. The character made the name known around the world.
In Ireland it reached the list in 1998, with 6 girls. It has stayed a small but steady choice, and its best year was 2022, when 14 girls were named Leia. There were 13 in 2025.
Say it differently where you're from, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Sources
- Wiktionary: Leia (English proper noun)
- Wikipedia: Leia (given name)
- CSO VSA60, Girls Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
At a glance
Similar names
Sibling ideas
Spellings counted here
| Spelling | 2025 | All years |
|---|---|---|
| Leia | 13 | 171 |
In Northern Ireland
Not in the 2025 list. Best rank #238 (2004); 66 babies since 1999.
Source: NISRA, Open Government Licence.