MallowbyNames

Lestat

LEH-stah · Often interpreted as 'the star' from French 'l'étoile', but the name was created by author Anne Rice for her vampire character and has no traditional etymology.

2025 rank (boys)
#6,143
Babies named in 2025
14
Peak popularity
2010
2025 frequency
1 in 122,005 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2005

Declining since 2005, #6,143 for boys today.

Popularity of Lestat since 1995

Babies named Lestat per year in U.S. Social Security records.

122537200020102020Most births 2010Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s22
2000s244
2010s193
2020s69

Meaning & origin

Lestat is a modern literary creation introduced by Anne Rice in her 1976 novel 'Interview with the Vampire'. The name first appeared on U.S. birth certificates in 1995 and reached its peak popularity in 2010, ranking 6,143 in 2025. It remains a rare choice, given to approximately 1 in 122,005 newborns. Most occurrences are concentrated in Texas, reflecting the name's association with the gothic horror genre. Since 2005, its usage has declined. Lestat is a striking, uncommon name for those drawn to literary or dark fantasy influences.

Lestat is a modern literary coinage by American author Anne Rice, first appearing in her 1976 novel 'Interview with the Vampire'. The name may be derived from the French phrase 'l'étoile' ('the star') or from a surname, but no definitive origin has been established. It has since been adopted as a given name, particularly among fans of the series.

Where Lestat is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Les, Stat

Sibling names for Lestat

Names that share Lestat's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Lestat, our favorite little boy.

L is for Lestat…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Lestat's letter becomes Lestat's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Lestat's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Lestat mean?
Lestat was invented by Anne Rice for her vampire character and has no traditional meaning. It may be inspired by the French 'l'étoile' meaning 'the star'.
Is Lestat popular today?
As of 2025, Lestat ranks 6,143 in the U.S., with about 1 in 122,005 babies given the name. Its peak year was 2010, and its usage has been falling since 2005.
Is Lestat a boy's name or a girl's name?
Lestat is primarily used as a boy's name, though it can be unisex. The character is male.