Lessie

“from the short form of Leslie”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 6% boys♀ 94% girls

#1476US 2023

724Births / yr

→Stable

15kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Lessie

LESS·EE

/ˈlɛss.ˈiː/ · stress on LESS · 2 syllables

“from the short form of Leslie”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Lessie mean and where does it come from?

Lessie is often considered a diminutive form of Leslie, originating from the Scottish surname Lesley, which is derived from a place name meaning 'garden by the lake'. The name Lessie gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the early 20th century as a stand-alone name. It represents a

Cultural significance

Lessie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the short form of leslie.

Peak popularity

Reached #232 in 1904 — currently #1476 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Lessie?

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

Lessie Grace

How popular is Lessie right now?

Holding steady — currently #1476 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1476 · Top 1.1%

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1476	724	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1481	704	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1486	674	▲ up 13545 · +13380% births
2000	#15031	5	▼ down 6254 · -44% births
1995	#8777	9	▼ down 2641 · -36% births
1990	#6136	14	▼ down 1681 · -18% births
1985	#4455	17	▲ up 62 · +6% births
1980	#4517	16	▼ down 999 · -16% births
1975	#3518	19	▲ up 64 · +12% births
1970	#3582	17	▼ down 1893 · -61% births
1965	#1689	44	▼ down 89 · -10% births
1960	#1600	49	▼ down 623 · -53% births
1955	#977	104	▼ down 100 · +2% births
1950	#877	102	▼ down 229 · -20% births
1945	#648	128	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lessie

Best Year1900Rank #243

Peak Count724

Average Rank#2483

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202324 years

The story of Lessie

Lessie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 15,009 babies have received this name. Once ranked #396 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1476 in 2023. Lessie is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.

Names that peaked alongside Lessie in 1904:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Lessie by decade

Lessie peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	454
1890s	1,015
1900s	1,677
1910s ★	3,203
1920s	3,135
1930s	2,009
1940s	1,510
1950s	989
1960s	521
1970s	210
1980s	164
1990s	84
2000s	38

What are good nicknames for Lessie?

Common

LesLeEssie

What names sound and feel like Lessie?

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

Lexsie

American · defender of mankind,

lestie

American · derived from 'Leslie',

Lesie

English · from the meadow

Leasie

American · God is my

Hessie

American · Derived from the

Bessie

American · God is my

Vessie

American · from the vessel

Ressie

American · A diminutive of

Gender variants of Lessie

Les ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Lessie

What does the name Lessie mean?

Lessie means "from the short form of Leslie" — 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 Lessie?

Lessie 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 Lessie?

Lessie 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 Lessie?

Lessie is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 S S IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Lessie a common or rare name?

Lessie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.