"garden of holly"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Gaelic
Lesli
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A Scottish clan name with timeless strength
Scottish
English
American
Classic
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"grey fortress"
Origin: Scottish
Language: Old Scottish
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The Story of Lesli
Lesli is a variant spelling of Leslie/Lesley, which originated as a Scottish surname derived from the place name Leslie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place name comes from Gaelic elements meaning 'garden of hollies' or possibly 'grey fortress.' The Clan Leslie was one of Scotland's prominent noble families, and the name transitioned from surname to given name in the 19th century, originally for males before becoming predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
Leslie peaked as a girls' name in the United States in the 1950s-1970s, popular among the baby boomer generation. The alternate spelling Lesley was more common in Britain. The slightly different Lesli spelling was a minor variant used by parents wanting a unique twist on the classic name.
In Scotland, Leslie/Lesley retains its heritage as a proud clan name. The shift from male to female name mirrors a broader naming trend in the 20th century, and the name carried a strong, independent connotation for women of the boomer generation.
Historical Record
Lesli first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,736 babies have been named Lesli in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lesli is past its peak , currently ranked #5,766 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Leslie was originally an exclusively male name until the 20th century
- Clan Leslie of Scotland has existed since the 12th century
- Leslie Howard, the male actor who played Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, was a famous bearer
Lesli in Other Languages
French
Leslie
German
Leslie
Spanish
Lesli
Portuguese
Lesly
Popularity Over Time
#5,766
Current Rank
Peaked 1967
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lesli
L
Leslie Mann
Actor
1972
American actress known for comedies including Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin
L
Leslie Howard
Actor
1893
British actor famous for playing Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind (1939)
L
Leslie Knope Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of the TV series Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), deputy director of the Pawnee Parks Department
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,766
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lesli
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Lesli
Phonetic neighbors that share Lesli's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lesli
What does the name Lesli mean?
"garden of holly" (from Scottish Gaelic). "grey fortress" (from Scottish). Lesli is a variant spelling of Leslie/Lesley, which originated as a Scottish surname derived from the place name Leslie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place name comes from Gaelic elements meaning 'garden of hollies' or possibly 'grey fortress.' The Clan Leslie was one of Scotland's prominent noble families, and the name transitioned from surname to given name in the 19th century, originally for males before becoming predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Lesli?
Lesli has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "garden of holly". In Scottish, it means "grey fortress".
Is Lesli a boy or girl name?
Lesli is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Lesli?
Lesli is currently ranked #5766 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lesli?
Common nicknames for Lesli include Les and Lee.
What are good middle names for Lesli?
Popular middle name pairings include Lesli Anne, Lesli Marie, Lesli Jane, Lesli Kay, Lesli Dawn, and Lesli Renee.
What are good sibling names for Lesli?
Names that pair well with Lesli as siblings include Debra, Karen, Donna, Gary, Mark, and Scott.
How many syllables does Lesli have?
Lesli has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lesli a common or rare name?
Lesli is an uncommon name, ranked #5766 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lesli?
About the Name Lesli
Lesli is a girl name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "garden of holly" in Scottish Gaelic .
Lesli is currently ranked #5,766 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lesli has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lesli include Les and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lesli include Leslie, Lesly, Lesley . 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