Leslie
Leslie: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɛzli/ · /ˈlɛsli/
Meaning and origin of Leslie
Root meaning: “garden of hollies”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, of mostly American usage.
Etymology
From a placename in Aberdeenshire, originally Lesslyn, Scottish Gaelic lios cuileann (“garden of hollies”).
How popular is Leslie?
Since 1880, 270,429 girls and 112,989 boys in the U.S. have been named Leslie (71% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #56 in 1981. Its highest rank for boys was #81 in 1895. In 2025 it ranked #712 for girls, with 425 babies given the name.
Names similar to Leslie
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Leslie
Sister and brother names that share Leslie's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Leslie FAQ
What does the name Leslie mean?
Leslie traces back to a root meaning "garden of hollies". A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name transferred from the surname, of mostly American usage. From a placename in Aberdeenshire, originally Lesslyn, Scottish Gaelic lios cuileann (“garden of hollies”).
What is the origin of the name Leslie?
Leslie is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Leslie?
Since 1880, 270,429 girls and 112,989 boys in the U.S. have been named Leslie (71% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #56 in 1981. Its highest rank for boys was #81 in 1895. In 2025 it ranked #712 for girls, with 425 babies given the name.
Is Leslie a boy or girl name?
Leslie is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (270,429 girls and 112,989 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.