Lesley

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Lesley

Gender Girl
Origin Celtic
Letters 6
Syllables 2
Pronunciation LEZ-lee

Lesley, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Lesley

Grey fortress

Lesley is a name of Scottish origin, and is derived from the Scottish place name Leodhas, which is derived from the Gaelic lios meaning "garden, court". It is also believed to be derived from the name of the Scottish Isle of Lewis, which is derived from the Gaelic leòdhas meaning "place of the lochs". The name is typically given to girls, and it can be used as a form of Leslie, which is also of Scottish origin and means "garden of holly".

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Grey fortress
Origin Celtic
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #817 in 2007 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 70s name

Background & History of The Name Lesley

Lesley is a popular name that is predominantly used as a feminine given name. It originated as a variant of the name Leslie, which is derived from a Scottish surname. The original surname was a locational name from the district of Leslie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The meaning of the name Leslie is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the Gaelic elements "lios", meaning "garden" or "enclosure", and "cuinn", meaning "holy" or "wise". Thus, the name Lesley is often associated with the meanings of "garden of holiness" or "wise garden".

In the English-speaking world, Lesley gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a versatile name that transcends borders and cultures. Lesley can be spelled in various ways, such as Leslie, Lesly, or Leslee, but Lesley is the most common spelling for females. The name Lesley has been notable throughout history with many prominent figures bearing the name. These include Lesley Evans, a renowned British chemist, and Lesley Gore, an American singer and songwriter.

Individuals named Lesley are often characterized as intelligent, creative, and independent. They possess strong leadership qualities and have a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. Lesleys are usually ambitious individuals who strive for success in their chosen endeavors. They are adaptable and open-minded, making them valuable team players in various fields. As friends or partners, Lesleys are known for their loyalty and reliability. They are optimistic and have a cheerful disposition, which makes them a joy to be around.

In conclusion, Lesley is a name with a rich history and varied spellings. It carries associations of wisdom, holiness, and creativity. Whether encountered in literature, science, or everyday life, people named Lesley leave an impression with their intelligence and charisma.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Lesley over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Lesley would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Lesley.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names