Les

“garden of hollies”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1870US 2023

330Births / yr

→Stable

3.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 195400

How to pronounce Les

LES

/ˈlɛs/ · stress on LES · 1 syllable

“garden of hollies”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Les mean and where does it come from?

Les is typically used as a short form for Leslie, which is of Scottish origin. Leslie means 'garden of hollies'. The name Les can be viewed as gender-neutral, though it is often less common for females. Its simplicity and casual feel make it approachable. The name also reflects 20th-century naming t

Cultural significance

Les has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #3797 in 1958 — currently #1870 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Les?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Les?

Les works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Les Grace

How popular is Les right now?

Holding steady — currently #1870 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#1870 · Top 1.4%

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1870	330	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1875	310	▲ up 5 · +11% births
2021	#1880	280	▲ up 4133 · +5500% births
1955	#6013	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Les

Best Year2023Rank #1870

Peak Count330

Average Rank#2910

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1955 - 20234 years

The story of Les

Les entered American naming records in 1954 and has been in use for over 70 years. With 3,444 total births recorded, Les remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6013 in 1955 to #1870 in 2023. Les is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Les in 1958:

Mary Susan Linda Karen Patricia

Les by decade

Les peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	34
1920s	71
1930s	152
1940s	549
1950s	816
1960s ★	1,078
1970s	307
1980s	183
1990s	75
2000s	70
2010s	94
2020s	10

💎With 3,444 total births, Les is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Les?

Common

LesieLesy

What names sound and feel like Les?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Les also consider these

Less

American · a diminutive of

Lex

American · Defender of mankind

Des

American · Short form of

Tes

American · A beloved name

American · Derived form of

Ples

English · a form of

Gender variants of Les

Lesleigh ENGLISH Lesley ENGLISH Leslie ENGLISH Lesly ENGLISH Lessie ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Les

What does the name Les mean?

Les means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Les?

Les is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Les?

Les originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Les?

Les is a one-syllable name pronounced L EH1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Les sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Les flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Les ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.