"garden of holly"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Gaelic
Lesley
Pronunciation: [ l-EHSL-ee ]
Does Lesley flow with your last name?
A classic Scottish name with timeless elegance
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"grey fortress"
Origin: Scottish
Language: Scottish
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The Story of Lesley
Lesley is a Scottish name derived from a place name in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, believed to mean garden of holly from the Gaelic lios (garden/enclosure) and liath (grey). It was originally a surname belonging to the Clan Leslie before becoming a given name. The spelling Lesley is traditionally used for girls, while Leslie is used for both genders.
Lesley was at peak popularity in the English-speaking world in the 1950s through 1970s, popular among baby boomer parents. British singer Lesley Gore made the name famous in the 1960s with her hit It's My Party. The name has since declined as newer choices became fashionable.
In Scotland, the Leslie clan has ancient origins and the name carries proud Scottish heritage. The spelling Lesley became the distinctly feminine form, especially in the UK, while Leslie remains more gender-neutral.
Historical Record
Lesley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 32,448 babies have been named Lesley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lesley is past its peak , currently ranked #4,093 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lesley Gore (1946-2015) had a #1 hit with 'It's My Party' in 1963 at age 16
- The Leslie clan motto is Grip Fast, a phrase that originated when a Leslie saved King Malcolm III from drowning
- Lesley University in Massachusetts was named after Edith Lesley, the school's founder
Lesley in Other Languages
French
Lesley
German
Lesley
Italian
Lesley
Spanish
Lesley
Scottish Gaelic
Liosaidh
Popularity Over Time
#4,093
Current Rank
Peaked 1979
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lesley
L
L
Lesley Gore
Musician
1946
American pop singer who had a #1 hit with It's My Party in 1963, an early feminist anthem
A
Ann Perkins Fictional
Other
Character in NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, played by Rashida Jones, known for her friendship with Leslie Knope
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Compare Lesley with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,093
- Total SSA Count
- 36
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Les
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lesley
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lesley is also used as a boy name, ranked #12214.
View Lesley as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lesley
What does the name Lesley mean?
"garden of holly" (from Scottish Gaelic). "grey fortress" (from Scottish). Lesley is a Scottish name derived from a place name in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, believed to mean garden of holly from the Gaelic lios (garden/enclosure) and liath (grey). It was originally a surname belonging to the Clan Leslie before becoming a given name. The spelling Lesley is traditionally used for girls, while Leslie is used for both genders.
What is the origin of the name Lesley?
Lesley has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "garden of holly". In Scottish, it means "grey fortress".
Is Lesley a boy or girl name?
Lesley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4093. As a boy name, it is ranked #12214. Lesley is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lesley?
Lesley is pronounced l-EHSL-ee.
How popular is the name Lesley?
Lesley is currently ranked #4093 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lesley?
Common nicknames for Lesley include Les and Lee.
What are good middle names for Lesley?
Popular middle name pairings include Lesley Ann, Lesley Marie, Lesley Lynn, Lesley Jane, Lesley Kay, Lesley Grace, and Lesley Claire.
What are good sibling names for Lesley?
Names that pair well with Lesley as siblings include Sheila, Carolyn, Pamela, Craig, Colin, Ross, and Donna.
How many syllables does Lesley have?
Lesley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lesley a common or rare name?
Lesley is an uncommon name, ranked #4093 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lesley?
About the Name Lesley
Lesley is a girl name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "garden of holly" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Lesley a boy or girl name? Lesley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,093 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #12,214. Lesley is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lesley is currently ranked #4,093 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lesley has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EHSL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lesley include Les and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lesley include Leslie, Lesly . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis