"Roman fort on the River Leir"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Lester
Pronunciation: [ l-EHST-er ]
Does Lester flow with your last name?
An English place-name classic due for a revival
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from Leicester"
Origin: Latin/Old English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Considered old-fashioned in many English-speaking countries
The Story of Lester
Lester originated as a surname derived from Leicester, a city in the English Midlands. The place name comes from the Old English 'Ligora ceaster,' meaning 'Roman fort (ceaster) on the River Leir (Ligora).' The Romans established a settlement there around 50 AD. The name transitioned from place name to surname to given name during the 19th century, a pattern common to many English names.
Lester peaked in popularity in the United States in the 1910s to 1930s, part of a fashion for Anglo-Saxon surname-derived names. It has declined steadily since the 1950s and is now considered vintage, though vintage names are perpetually cycling back into fashion.
Leicester, the source of this name, is one of England's oldest cities with nearly 2,000 years of recorded history. Lester Piggott, the legendary British jockey, and Lester Young, the jazz icon, gave the name distinction in the 20th century.
Historical Record
Lester first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 39,989 babies have been named Lester in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lester is past its peak , currently ranked #1,578 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Leicester City FC's 2016 Premier League title is considered the greatest sporting upset in modern history
- Lester Young, the jazz saxophonist, was a mentor to Billie Holiday and enormously influential on Miles Davis
Lester in Other Languages
Latin
Ratae Corieltauvorum
English
Leicester
Popularity Over Time
#1,578
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lester
L
Lester Piggott
Athlete
1935
Legendary English flat racing jockey, nine-time Epsom Derby winner
L
Lester Young
Musician
1909
Influential American jazz saxophonist and mentor to Billie Holiday
L
Lester Burnham Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the Oscar-winning film American Beauty (1999), played by Kevin Spacey
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Compare Lester with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,578
- Total SSA Count
- 109
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Les
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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 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
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lester
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Lester is also used as a girl name, ranked #38841.
View Lester as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lester
What does the name Lester mean?
"Roman fort on the River Leir" (from Old English). "from Leicester" (from Latin/Old English). Lester originated as a surname derived from Leicester, a city in the English Midlands. The place name comes from the Old English 'Ligora ceaster,' meaning 'Roman fort (ceaster) on the River Leir (Ligora).' The Romans established a settlement there around 50 AD. The name transitioned from place name to surname to given name during the 19th century, a pattern common to many English names.
What is the origin of the name Lester?
Lester has Old English, Latin/Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "Roman fort on the River Leir". In Latin/Old English, it means "from Leicester".
Is Lester a boy or girl name?
Lester is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1578. As a girl name, it is ranked #38841. Lester is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lester?
Lester is pronounced l-EHST-er.
How popular is the name Lester?
Lester is currently ranked #1578 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lester?
Common nicknames for Lester include Les.
What are good middle names for Lester?
Popular middle name pairings include Lester Wayne, Lester Dale, Lester James, Lester Ray, Lester Glenn, and Lester Harold.
What are good sibling names for Lester?
Names that pair well with Lester as siblings include Chester, Clifford, Mildred, Harold, Edna, and Vera.
How many syllables does Lester have?
Lester has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lester a common or rare name?
Lester is an uncommon name, ranked #1578 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Lester
Lester is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "Roman fort on the River Leir" in Old English .
Is Lester a boy or girl name? Lester is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,578 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,841. Lester is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lester is currently ranked #1,578 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Lester has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EHST-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lester include Les. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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