What does Lesley mean and where does it come from?
Lesley is derived from a Scottish surname that translates from Gaelic, meaning 'garden of the hollies'. It surfaced as a first name in the late 19th century and has often been used for both boys and girls. In the 20th century, Lesley became increasingly popular as a female name, especially in the Un
Cultural significance
Lesley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of garden of hollies.
Peak popularity
Reached #268 in 1979 — currently #713 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lesley?
Lesley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lesley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lesley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lesley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lesley Claire
French influence · crisp
Lesley Jane
Literary · strong
Lesley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lesley right now?
Holding steady — currently #713 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #713 | 1,487 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #718 | 1,467 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #723 | 1,437 | ▲ up 2389 · +2774% births |
| 2020 | #3112 | 50 | ▼ down 1076 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #2036 | 96 | ▼ down 913 · -56% births |
| 2010 | #1123 | 219 | ▼ down 408 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #715 | 382 | ▼ down 286 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #429 | 658 | ▲ up 311 · +138% births |
| 1995 | #740 | 276 | ▼ down 200 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #540 | 440 | ▼ down 139 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #401 | 565 | ▼ down 132 · -39% births |
| 1980 | #269 | 928 | ▲ up 52 · +30% births |
| 1975 | #321 | 714 | ▲ up 21 · -7% births |
| 1970 | #342 | 767 | ▼ down 12 · +3% births |
| 1965 | #330 | 744 | — |
The story of Lesley
Lesley has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. A total of 38,904 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2462 in 1910 to #713 in 2023. Lesley is used for both genders: 88% female and 12% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lesley in 1979:
Lesley by decade
Lesley peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 23 | |
| 1900s | 74 | |
| 1910s | 325 | |
| 1920s | 571 | |
| 1930s | 582 | |
| 1940s | 2,052 | |
| 1950s | 3,933 | |
| 1960s | 5,987 | |
| 1970s ★ | 8,347 | |
| 1980s | 6,775 | |
| 1990s | 4,830 | |
| 2000s | 4,222 | |
| 2010s | 1,122 | |
| 2020s | 50 | |
What are good nicknames for Lesley?
What names sound and feel like Lesley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lesley also consider these
How is Lesley written in other languages?
Gender variants of Lesley
Common questions about the name Lesley
What does the name Lesley mean?
Lesley means "Garden of hollies" — a name rooted in English 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 Lesley?
Lesley is currently ranked #713 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 Lesley?
Lesley originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lesley more of a girl or boy name?
Lesley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
What are good nicknames for Lesley?
Lesley naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.