What does Leslie mean and where does it come from?
Leslie is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin, derived from a surname that referred to a location in Scotland. The etymology denotes a 'garden of hollies'. It was originally used primarily for males but gained popularity as a female name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States an
Cultural significance
Leslie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.
Peak popularity
Reached #56 in 1981 — currently #670 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Leslie?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Leslie?
Leslie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leslie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leslie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leslie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leslie Claire
French influence · crisp
Leslie Jane
Literary · strong
Leslie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leslie right now?
Declining — down 17 spots — currently #670 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #670 | 440 | ▼ down 17 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #653 | 453 | ▼ down 29 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #624 | 477 | ▼ down 26 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #598 | 481 | ▼ down 227 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #371 | 878 | ▼ down 172 · -44% births |
| 2010 | #199 | 1,565 | ▼ down 96 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #103 | 3,122 | ▼ down 13 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #90 | 3,623 | ▲ up 47 · +57% births |
| 1995 | #137 | 2,312 | ▼ down 22 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #115 | 2,828 | ▼ down 39 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #76 | 3,606 | ▼ down 15 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #61 | 4,778 | ▲ up 10 · +16% births |
| 1975 | #71 | 4,105 | ▼ down 7 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #64 | 5,622 | ▲ up 11 · +15% births |
| 1965 | #75 | 4,874 | — |
The story of Leslie
Leslie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #56 in 1981. More than 380,932 babies have been named Leslie since 1880. Leslie is used for both genders: 70% female and 30% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leslie in 1981:
Leslie by decade
Leslie peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,418 | |
| 1890s | 2,320 | |
| 1900s | 2,855 | |
| 1910s | 11,415 | |
| 1920s | 16,306 | |
| 1930s | 13,690 | |
| 1940s | 34,243 | |
| 1950s | 64,422 | |
| 1960s ★ | 68,179 | |
| 1970s | 52,029 | |
| 1980s | 42,592 | |
| 1990s | 28,727 | |
| 2000s | 32,017 | |
| 2010s | 10,214 | |
| 2020s | 505 | |
What are good nicknames for Leslie?
What names sound and feel like Leslie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leslie also consider these
How is Leslie written in other languages?
Gender variants of Leslie
Common questions about the name Leslie
What does the name Leslie mean?
Leslie means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Leslie?
Leslie is currently ranked #670 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Leslie?
Leslie originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Leslie?
Leslie is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 S L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leslie more of a girl or boy name?
Leslie is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.