The given name Lesli has its roots in the Scottish surname Leslie, which is derived from an ancient Norman territorial name for a place in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic words "leas," meaning a garden or meadow, and "li," meaning a sheltered place, thus referring to a garden in a sheltered place.

The name Lesli first emerged in the historical records of Scotland as early as the 12th century, with the earliest known bearer being Bartholomew de Leslyn, who witnessed a charter by King William the Lion in 1171. The Leslie family later became one of the most prominent noble families in Scotland, with several members playing significant roles in Scottish history.

One notable bearer of the name Lesli was Sir Walter Leslie, a Scottish soldier and nobleman who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the early 14th century. He was known for his bravery and loyalty to the Scottish cause.

Another historical figure with the name Lesli was John Leslie, a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and theologian who lived from 1571 to 1635. He made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and was also a prominent figure in the Scottish Reformation.

In the literary realm, Lesli Newbigin, a British theologian and missionary, was born in 1909 and lived until 1998. He was known for his work in promoting dialogue between Christianity and other religions, as well as his contributions to missiology.

Lesli Udwin, an Indian-British filmmaker and human rights activist, was born in 1965. She is best known for her documentary film "India's Daughter," which explores the brutal gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi in 2012, and sparked a global conversation about violence against women.

While the name Lesli has its origins in Scotland, it has since been adopted and used in various cultures and countries around the world, with different spellings and variations such as Leslie, Lezlie, and Lesley.