Lesslie

Meaning & origin

Lesslie is a seldom-used spelling variant of the well-established name Leslie, which originally functioned as a Scottish surname before becoming a given name. The data shows that Lesslie has never entered the top 1000 U.S. names, with its peak usage occurring in 2002, followed by a steady decline through 2025. Its rarity places it in the category of names that are both distinctive and familiar. While the name's trajectory has been falling since 2002, it maintains a quiet appeal for parents seeking an alternative to the more common Leslie spelling. No top states were recorded for Lesslie, reflecting its scattered and infrequent use across the country.

Lesslie is a spelling variant of Leslie, which originated as a Scottish surname from the barony of Lesslyn in Aberdeenshire. The name is thought to derive from Gaelic elements meaning 'garden of holly' or 'gray fortress'. Historically used as a surname, Leslie transitioned to a given name in the 19th century, with variant spellings like Lesslie emerging as feminine forms.