leaplings

Leaplings are people born on February 29, the leap day added to the Gregorian calendar during leap years. The term is commonly used to describe individuals whose birthday only occurs on leap years.

Calendar background: Leap years keep the calendar year aligned with the solar year. In the Gregorian system, a year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4, except century years not divisible by 400. Consequently, February has 29 days in leap years, and a 400-year cycle contains 97 leap years.

Celebration and naming: In non-leap years, leaplings typically celebrate on February 28 or March 1, depending on local custom or personal preference. Some people choose to observe their true leap-day birthday only once every four years.

Demographics: Leaplings account for about 0.068% of births, roughly 1 in 1,461 births. Globally this equates to millions of people who were born on February 29.

Cultural and legal aspects: Leaplings have appeared in literature and media as a symbol of rarity. The legal treatment of February 29 birthdays varies by jurisdiction, with different rules for age-based rights and the handling of formal records. In some contexts, institutions may designate an alternate birthday for non-leap years.