"grey fortress, grey enclosure"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Leslie
Pronunciation: [ l-EHSL-ee ]
Does Leslie flow with your last name?
A Scottish castle name with graceful mid-century charm
Scottish
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English
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The Story of Leslie
Leslie originates as a Scottish place name from the Aberdeenshire area, derived from the Gaelic 'lios léana,' meaning 'garden of hollies,' or possibly from 'lios liath,' meaning 'grey fort' or 'grey enclosure.' The name transferred to a surname for Clan Leslie, one of Scotland's oldest noble families, and eventually crossed over as a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Leslie peaked in the United States as a girl's name in the 1950s through 1970s, a period when surname-style names and place names for girls were fashionable. It was popular in Britain slightly earlier. The spelling 'Lesley' is more common in the UK. The name is now considered a warm vintage name, evoking mid-century Americana.
The Earl of Rothes, head of the Leslie family, was one of the most powerful Scottish noblemen. The family's castle in Fife gave the name its geographic origin. As a given name, Leslie was popular across mid-century American film and television, carried by actors like Leslie Caron and Leslie Howard.
Historical Record
Leslie first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 250,993 babies have been named Leslie in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Leslie is past its peak , currently ranked #604 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Leslie Howard played Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind (1939) and was among the biggest stars of his era
- The Clan Leslie motto is 'Grip Fast,' reflecting the tenacious spirit of Scottish highland culture
- Leslie was a top-50 girl's name in the US from the 1950s through 1970s
Leslie in Other Languages
French
Leslie
English
Leslie
Spanish
Leslie
Scottish Gaelic
Lios Léana
Popularity Over Time
#604
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1981
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Leslie
L
Leslie Caron
Actor
1931
French-American actress and dancer, star of An American in Paris (1951) and Gigi (1958)
L
Leslie Howard
Actor
1893
British actor renowned for his roles in Gone with the Wind and The Scarlet Pimpernel, one of the biggest stars of 1930s ...
British actor renowned for his roles in Gone with the Wind and The Scarlet Pimpernel, one of the biggest stars of 1930s Hollywood
L
Leslie Knope Fictional
Other
The beloved protagonist of NBC's Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), played by Amy Poehler — an optimistic, overachieving ...
The beloved protagonist of NBC's Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), played by Amy Poehler — an optimistic, overachieving parks department official
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #604
- Total SSA Count
- 495
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish American English Canadian
- 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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Scottish 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
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Leslie
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Leslie is also used as a boy name, ranked #3003.
View Leslie as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leslie
What does the name Leslie mean?
"grey fortress, grey enclosure" (from Scottish Gaelic). Leslie originates as a Scottish place name from the Aberdeenshire area, derived from the Gaelic 'lios léana,' meaning 'garden of hollies,' or possibly from 'lios liath,' meaning 'grey fort' or 'grey enclosure.' The name transferred to a surname for Clan Leslie, one of Scotland's oldest noble families, and eventually crossed over as a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.
What is the origin of the name Leslie?
Leslie has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, American, English, and Canadian origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "grey fortress, grey enclosure".
Is Leslie a boy or girl name?
Leslie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #604. As a boy name, it is ranked #3003. Leslie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Leslie?
Leslie is pronounced l-EHSL-ee.
How popular is the name Leslie?
Leslie is currently ranked #604 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Leslie?
Common nicknames for Leslie include Les and Lee.
What are good middle names for Leslie?
Popular middle name pairings include Leslie Ann, Leslie Marie, Leslie Jane, Leslie Grace, Leslie Claire, and Leslie Hope.
What are good sibling names for Leslie?
Names that pair well with Leslie as siblings include Valerie, Brenda, Shirley, Gary, Douglas, and Craig.
How many syllables does Leslie have?
Leslie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Leslie a common or rare name?
Leslie is moderately common, ranked #604 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Leslie?
About the Name Leslie
Leslie is a girl name with Scottish, American, English, and Canadian origins . The name means "grey fortress, grey enclosure" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Leslie a boy or girl name? Leslie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #604 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #3,003. Leslie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Leslie is currently ranked #604 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Leslie has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EHSL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Leslie include Les and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Leslie include 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