Lesley
Lesley: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Lesley
Root meaning: “garden of hollies”
- A female given name transferred from the surname, used since the 18th century. Popular in the U.K. in the mid-20th century.
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From a placename in Aberdeenshire, originally Lesslyn, Scottish Gaelic lios cuileann (“garden of hollies”).
How popular is Lesley?
Since 1880, 34,301 girls and 4,797 boys in the U.S. have been named Lesley (88% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #268 in 1979. Its highest rank for boys was #541 in 1903. In 2025, 30 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Lesley
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Lesley
Sister and brother names that share Lesley's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Lesley FAQ
What does the name Lesley mean?
Lesley traces back to a root meaning "garden of hollies". A female given name transferred from the surname, used since the 18th century. Popular in the U.K. in the mid-20th century. A male given name transferred from the surname. From a placename in Aberdeenshire, originally Lesslyn, Scottish Gaelic lios cuileann (“garden of hollies”).
What is the origin of the name Lesley?
Lesley is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Lesley?
Since 1880, 34,301 girls and 4,797 boys in the U.S. have been named Lesley (88% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #268 in 1979. Its highest rank for boys was #541 in 1903. In 2025, 30 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Lesley a boy or girl name?
Lesley is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (34,301 girls and 4,797 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.