All about the name

Lesslie

Male

« The name Lesslie has Scottish origins, dating back to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It translates to 'from the thicket or wood', originally a surname associated with strength and independence, now used as a unisex given name. »

#14663 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

The name Lesslie is of Scottish origin and has a fascinating history behind it. It is derived from the Scottish surname Leslie, which is believed to have originated from the French place name "Lesselt", meaning "from the thicket or wood". The Leslies were an ancient family who traced their lineage back to Norman settlers in Scotland after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The name Lesslie has evolved over time and has been used as both a surname and a given name. As a given name, it first gained popularity in Scotland during the late medieval period but remained relatively uncommon until the mid-20th century when it began to be used more frequently as a unisex name. Today, Lesslie is still considered a unique and distinctive name, often associated with Scottish heritage and history. It has also been used by several notable individuals throughout history, including Lesslie Newbigin, a British theologian and missionary, and Lesslie Young, a Canadian ice hockey player. In terms of its meaning, while the name Lesslie does not have an explicit definition like many other names, it is often associated with qualities such as strength, independence, and resilience - traits that may have been attributed to the Leslie family throughout history. Ultimately, however, the meaning behind the name Lesslie will depend on how each individual chooses to interpret and embrace it.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lesslie since 1880

Total births
142
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
11 births
in 1962
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years