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    Leslie

    Pronunciation: LEZ-lee

    ⚥ Unisex
    Scottish Gaelic

    Meaning

    Garden of hollies

    Origin

    Scottish Gaelic

    The Story Behind Leslie

    The name Leslie originates from a Scottish surname, derived from a place name in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place name itself is thought to come from the Scottish Gaelic 'leas celyn', meaning 'garden of hollies' or 'holly garden'. It was initially a male name, strongly associated with the Scottish Clan Leslie. Over time, particularly in the 20th century, it gained popularity as a female given name, especially in English-speaking countries.

    The transition of Leslie from a predominantly male to a predominantly female name is a common phenomenon for many surnames used as first names. Its gentle sound and the 'ley' ending, similar to names like Ashley or Kimberley, likely contributed to its adoption for girls. While still used for boys, its usage for females has significantly surpassed that for males in recent decades in many Western countries.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1950s
    Era:Victorian, Early 1900s, Mid-century, Modern (1980s-2000s)

    Popularity Trends

    Is Leslie Right for Your Baby?

    Leslie is a Gentle, Classic, Friendly name that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Leslie Is Used

    Scottish
    British

    Name Vibe

    Gentle
    Classic
    Friendly

    Famous People Named Leslie

    • Leslie Howard (actor)
    • Leslie Caron (actress)
    • Leslie Nielsen (actor)
    • Leslie Mann (actress)
    • Leslie Odom Jr. (actor, singer)

    Alternative Spellings & Variants

    • Lesley

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Les
    • Les

    Leslie in different fonts

    LeslieDancing Script
    LeslieCaveat
    LeslieSatisfy
    LesliePacifico
    LeslieGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Leslie:

    Names Similar to Leslie

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Leslie, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Nature-inspired

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Leslie

    What does Leslie mean?

    Leslie means "Garden of hollies". It is derived from Scottish Gaelic.

    What is the origin of Leslie?

    Leslie originates from Scottish Gaelic. Its cultural origin is Scottish Gaelic.

    Is Leslie a male or female name?

    Leslie is a unisex name.

    How do you pronounce Leslie?

    Leslie is pronounced "LEZ-lee".

    What language does Leslie come from?

    Leslie comes from Scottish Gaelic.

    Is Leslie a popular name?

    Leslie is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are nicknames for Leslie?

    Common nicknames for Leslie include Les.

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