Lesley

“Garden of hollies”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 12% boys♀ 88% girls

#713US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

38.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 189300.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Lesley

lez-lee,les-lee

/lez-lee,les-lee/ · · 2 syllables

“Garden of hollies”

English origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Lesley right now?

Holding steady — currently #713 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#713 · Top 0.53%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lesley

Best Year1980Rank #269

Peak Count1,487

Average Rank#1192

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 202326 years

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:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

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?

ENGLISH

Lessie

ENGLISH

Les

What names sound and feel like Lesley?

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

Lexley

English · A meaningful name

English · From the garden

Lezley

American · From the meadow's

Esley

English · English

Wesley

American · Western meadow

Sesley

American · English

How is Lesley written in other languages?

Gender variants of Lesley

Les ENGLISH

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.