The name Les is a shortened form of the name Leslie, which has its origins in the Scottish Borders region. It is believed to have derived from an Old Scots surname that referred to a person living near a leas or meadow. The name was originally a habitational name, meaning it identified where a person lived or came from.

In its earliest recorded use, the name appeared as Lesselyn or Lesselyne in the early 13th century. It was initially a surname before transitioning into a masculine given name. The name gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was later adopted in England and other parts of the British Isles.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Les can be found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which documented Scottish nobles who swore fealty to King Edward I of England. Several individuals with the surname Lesselyn or Lesselyne are listed in these rolls.

Over the centuries, the name Les has been borne by various notable figures. One such example is Les Hinton (1919-2006), an English journalist and newspaper executive who served as the chairman and chief executive officer of News International, a subsidiary of News Corp.

Another prominent individual with the name Les is Les Paul (1915-2009), an American guitarist, songwriter, and inventor who pioneered the development of the solid-body electric guitar and contributed significantly to the advancement of recording techniques.

In the field of sports, Les Bury (1913-1986) was a Welsh professional footballer who played as a winger for clubs like Arsenal and Cardiff City during the 1930s and 1940s.

Les Leston (1920-2012) was a Canadian actor known for his roles in television series like The Littlest Hobo and Danger Bay.

Les Blank (1935-2013) was an American documentary filmmaker and director renowned for his films that celebrated the cultural traditions and music of various communities, particularly in the American South and Southwest.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Les, showcasing its enduring presence across various fields and cultures.