What does Lesli mean and where does it come from?
Lesli is considered a variant of the name Leslie and is often used as a feminine form. The name Leslie has Scottish origins, derived from a place name in Aberdeenshire. Lesli became more popular as a feminine name in the United States during the 20th century. Notable figures with this name include A
Cultural significance
Lesli has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of leslie, meaning 'garden of hollies'..
Peak popularity
Reached #840 in 1967 — currently #8138 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lesli?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lesli?
Lesli works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lesli Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lesli Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lesli Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lesli Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lesli Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lesli Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lesli right now?
Falling — down 2417 spots — currently #8138 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8138 | 13 | ▼ down 2417 · -41% births |
| 2024 | #5721 | 22 | ▲ up 1762 · +47% births |
| 2023 | #7483 | 15 | ▲ up 2613 · +50% births |
| 2022 | #10096 | 10 | ▼ down 3232 · -41% births |
| 2021 | #6864 | 17 | ▼ down 241 |
| 2020 | #6623 | 17 | ▼ down 1292 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #5331 | 25 | ▼ down 2875 · -67% births |
| 2010 | #2456 | 76 | ▼ down 1047 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #1409 | 152 | ▼ down 97 · +5% births |
| 2000 | #1312 | 145 | ▲ up 977 · +150% births |
| 1995 | #2289 | 58 | ▲ up 185 · +18% births |
| 1990 | #2474 | 49 | ▼ down 471 · -9% births |
| 1985 | #2003 | 54 | ▼ down 578 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #1425 | 86 | ▼ down 365 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #1060 | 112 | — |
The story of Lesli
Lesli entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. With 5,719 total births recorded, Lesli remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2252 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7483 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lesli in 1967:
Lesli by decade
Lesli peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 50 | |
| 1950s | 479 | |
| 1960s | 1,190 | |
| 1970s | 997 | |
| 1980s | 623 | |
| 1990s | 639 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,419 | |
| 2010s | 305 | |
| 2020s | 52 | |
💎With 5,719 total births, Lesli is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Lesli?
What names sound and feel like Lesli?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lesli also consider these
Common questions about the name Lesli
What does the name Lesli mean?
Lesli means "A variant of Leslie, meaning 'garden of hollies'." — a name rooted in USA 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 Lesli?
Lesli is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lesli have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lesli?
Lesli originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lesli trending right now?
Lesli is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Lesli a common or rare name?
Lesli is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.