Holding steady.
Popularity of Keslie since 1978
Babies named Keslie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 82 |
| 2000s | 58 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Keslie is a modern respelling of Kelsey, a name that gained traction in the United States during the late 20th century. First recorded in U.S. birth data in 1978, Keslie saw its peak year in 1991, though it never entered the top 1000 rankings. The name has remained consistently rare, with a stable trajectory in recent decades. As a variant spelling, Keslie reflects the trend toward personalized name forms that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, alongside similar names like Kelsie and Kelsea. Despite its low usage, Keslie has been documented in a handful of states, primarily in the South and Midwest. Its similarity to the more common Kelsey gives it a familiar sound while maintaining a distinct spelling.
Keslie is a modern respelling of Kesley, itself a variant of Kelsey. The name Kelsey originated as an English surname from a place name in Lincolnshire, meaning 'Cēnsige's island' or 'Cēnsige's meadow'. It gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kes, Leslie
Sibling names for Keslie
Names that share Keslie's style, for a brother or sister.
