lea

Lea is a feminine given name that is also encountered as a surname. In given-name usage, Lea is commonly a variant of Leah, from Hebrew origin, and is traditionally associated with meanings such as “weary” or “delicate.” Pronunciation varies by language and region, with common English renderings such as “LEE‑uh” or “LAY‑uh.” In many cultures Lea is used independently of Leah and appears across multiple languages with little change in spelling.

As a surname, Lea can derive from Old English leah meaning meadow or clearing, or from English place-names. It is found in England and among diaspora communities in North America and elsewhere, often reflecting historical geographic or topographic origins.

Notable people with the given name Lea include French actress Lea Seydoux, Filipina‑American singer and actress Lea Salonga, American actress and singer Lea Michele, and American actress Lea Thompson. The surname Lea is borne by various individuals in public life as well, though specific examples are less centralized.

Geographically, places named Lea exist in England and the United States, among other regions, including villages and localities that preserve the topographic sense of the name. The term also appears in the names of rivers and other features in different locales. In popular culture, Lea appears as a given name for fictional characters in literature and media, reflecting its broad international usage.