Find out how popular the first name Lesley has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lesley by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lesley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Lesley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 29 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lesley.

The history of the first name Lesley

Lesley is an English given name with origins tracing back to the medieval era. It is a diminutive form of the name Leslie, derived from an Anglo-French surname meaning "garden of the lily" or "grey garden". The name's roots can be traced to the Norman-French words "l'islet" (the little island) or "gris" (grey) and "leys" (garden or meadow).

The name was initially used as a Scottish surname, with the first recorded instance dating back to the 12th century. In 1195, a charter granted by King William the Lion of Scotland mentions "Leslies" as a family name. Over time, the surname evolved into a given name, particularly popular in Scotland and England.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Lesley was Sir Andrew Lesley, a Scottish knight who fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the early 14th century. Another notable figure was Alexander Lesley, a Scottish theologian and mathematician who lived from 1572 to 1661.

In literature, the name appears in the works of Sir Walter Scott, who featured the character Lesley Baillie in his novel "The Bride of Lammermoor" (1819). This helped popularize the name in the 19th century.

Other historical figures with the name Lesley include:

1. Lesley Ridley (1905-1979), a British aviator and test pilot.
2. Lesley Blanch (1904-2007), an English writer and traveler.
3. Lesley Stahl (born 1941), an American journalist and correspondent for CBS News.
4. Lesley Gore (1946-2015), an American singer-songwriter best known for her hit "It's My Party".
5. Lesley Manville (born 1956), an English actress renowned for her performances in films like "Phantom Thread" and "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris".

The name Lesley has been used across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and versatility. Its rich history and origins contribute to its unique character and lasting popularity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lesley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lesley, please contact us.

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