Leelah
2025 SSA
About Leelah
Leelah is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It's primarily considered a variant spelling of Lila or Lilah, which has Sanskrit origins meaning 'play' or 'amusement.' In Hebrew traditions, similar names like Leila mean 'night.' The spelling with the double 'e' gives it a distinctive look while maintaining the melodic pronunciation. Leelah has a gentle, flowing quality that feels both timeless and contemporary. While not among the most popular names, it has gained modest recognition in recent decades as parents seek names with cross-cultural appeal. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, making it accessible but not overly common.
Pronounced LEE-lah.
As of October 2026, Leelah ranked #6238 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #4411 in 2018.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #4,969 | 28 | 15.7 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | #4,644 | 30 | 17.4 |
| 2018 | #4,411 | 32 | 18.8 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Similar names
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Leelah on lists
Famous Leelahs
- Leelah Alcorn
a transgender girl