Lester

“Fortified Place”

USA origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#846US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

131.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Lester

LEST·er

/ˈlɛst.ɝ/ · stress on LEST · 2 syllables

“Fortified Place”

USA origin · Unisex name

What does Lester mean and where does it come from?

Lester originated as a surname derived from the Old English 'Leicester,' which itself refers to a Roman settlement. Although primarily a male name, its use for females has increased in recent years. Notable individuals include Lester Young, a famous jazz musician, although he is male.

Cultural significance

Lester has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fortified place.

Peak popularity

Reached #888 in 1905 — currently #846 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Lester?

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

Lester Grace

How popular is Lester right now?

Holding steady — currently #846 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#846 · Top 0.62%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#846	1,354	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#851	1,334	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#856	1,304	▲ up 8475 · +21633% births
1985	#9331	6	▼ down 216
1980	#9115	6	▼ down 3691 · -33% births
1970	#5424	9	▼ down 576 · +13% births
1965	#4848	8	▼ down 1137 · -33% births
1960	#3711	12	▼ down 731 · -20% births
1955	#2980	15	▼ down 187 · +7% births
1950	#2793	14	▼ down 322 · +8% births
1945	#2471	13	▼ down 617 · -32% births
1940	#1854	19	▲ up 3 · +6% births
1935	#1857	18	▼ down 238 · -25% births
1930	#1619	24	▲ up 234 · +9% births
1925	#1853	22	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lester

Best Year2023Rank #846

Peak Count1,354

Average Rank#2841

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202320 years

The story of Lester

Lester has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. More than 131,483 babies have been named Lester since 1886. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1365 in 1890 to #846 in 2023. Lester is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Lester in 1905:

Mary Helen Margaret Anna Ruth

Lester by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	1,451
1890s	2,762
1900s	4,465
1910s	21,732
1920s ★	26,841
1930s	17,161
1940s	17,230
1950s	16,709
1960s	9,833
1970s	5,156
1980s	3,586
1990s	2,077
2000s	1,341
2010s	1,030
2020s	109

What are good nicknames for Lester?

ENGLISH

Les

What names sound and feel like Lester?

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

Lesther

American · English

Leester

American · A beloved name

Jester

United Kingdom · A professional joker

Kester

United Kingdom · King of the

Dester

American · English

Wester

English · From the West

Nester

English · one who dwells

Fester

American · English

Common questions about the name Lester

What does the name Lester mean?

Lester means "Fortified Place" — 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 Lester?

Lester is currently ranked #846 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 Lester?

Lester 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.

How do you pronounce the name Lester?

Lester is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Lester a common or rare name?

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