Declining since 1989.
Popularity of Leslee since 1922
Babies named Leslee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Leslee's real moment was 1973.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 8 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 498 |
| 1950s | 1,040 |
| 1960s | 910 |
| 1970s | 824 |
| 1980s | 729 |
| 1990s | 411 |
| 2000s | 303 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 34 |
Meaning & origin
Leslee is a spelling variant of Leslie that saw its peak usage in 1973, when it was the 2,943rd most popular name for girls in the United States. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 1989, mirroring the decline of many similar -lee and -ley names that were fashionable in the 1970s and 1980s. It was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1922, and while it has never cracked the top 1,000, it maintained a steady niche presence through the mid-20th century. The name's Scottish roots give it a sense of heritage, while its spelling sets it apart from the more common Leslie and Lesley variants.
Leslee is a variant spelling of Leslie, derived from a Scottish place name. The name is believed to come from the Gaelic elements 'leas' meaning 'garden' or 'enclosure' and 'celyn' meaning 'holly', though some sources suggest it may mean 'gray fortress'. The surname Leslie was established by a Norman family who settled in Scotland in the 12th century, and it transitioned to a given name in the 19th century, used for both males and females. The variant spelling Leslee became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Leslee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Les, Lee, Lez
Sibling names for Leslee
Names that share Leslee's style, for a brother or sister.
