Find out how popular the first name Lindsley has been for the last 9 years (from 1979 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lindsley by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Lindsley is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lindsley.

The history of the first name Lindsley

Lindsley is an English given name with origins tracing back to the Old English language. It is derived from the combination of the words "lind," meaning "lime tree," and "leah," meaning "meadow" or "clearing." The name essentially translates to "lime tree meadow" or "clearing with lime trees."

The name's roots can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon England, where it was likely used as a place name before becoming a personal name. The lime tree held significant importance in ancient Germanic cultures, often associated with fertility and strength.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lindsley dates back to the Domesday Book, a manuscript survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Lindesleie" and "Lindesleia," referring to settlements or locations.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lindsley. One of the earliest recorded figures was Lindsley Fitzurse (c. 1135–1200), an Anglo-Norman nobleman and one of the knights involved in the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170.

Another prominent figure was Lindsley Armstrong (1818–1879), an American politician who served as the 19th Governor of Virginia from 1870 to 1874. He played a significant role in the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War.

In the realm of literature, Lindsley Gordon (1894–1964) was an American poet and critic known for his contributions to modernist poetry and his association with the Imagist movement. His works explored themes of nature and the human experience.

The name Lindsley also gained recognition in the field of education with Lindsley Bates Streett (1856–1940), an American educator and administrator. He served as the president of Mercer University in Georgia from 1919 to 1928.

In more recent times, Lindsley Armstrong Pruitt (1922–2012) was a notable American diplomat and ambassador. He served as the United States Ambassador to Nicaragua from 1967 to 1970 and later as the Ambassador to Burkina Faso from 1972 to 1975.

While the name Lindsley has its origins in Old English and has been present throughout various historical periods, it remains a relatively uncommon given name in modern times. However, its connection to the natural world and its historical significance have contributed to its enduring presence in the English-speaking world.

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 Lindsley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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