Declining since 1985, #1,634 for boys today.
Popularity of Lester since 1880
Babies named Lester per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lester's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,440 |
| 1890s | 2,702 |
| 1900s | 4,361 |
| 1910s | 21,509 |
| 1920s | 26,513 |
| 1930s | 16,984 |
| 1940s | 17,082 |
| 1950s | 16,568 |
| 1960s | 9,741 |
| 1970s | 5,110 |
| 1980s | 3,570 |
| 1990s | 2,080 |
| 2000s | 1,373 |
| 2010s | 1,045 |
| 2020s | 610 |
Meaning & origin
Lester is a classic surname-turned-first-name that saw its greatest popularity in the early 20th century. It ranked 1634th in 2025, with about 1 in 16,583 boys receiving the name. Its peak year was 1906, placing it among the top names of the Edwardian era. The name has been in steady decline since 1985, but it retains a vintage charm reminiscent of its heyday. Top states for Lester include Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, reflecting its enduring presence in both Southern and Northeastern regions.
Lester is derived from the English surname, which itself comes from the place name Leicester. The place name Leicester is of Old English origin, from 'Legra ceaster,' meaning 'Roman fort or town of the Ligore people.' The name was first used as a given name in the 19th century, following the Victorian fashion for surnames as first names. It peaked in popularity in the early 1900s but has since declined.
Where Lester is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Variants: Leicester
Sibling names for Lester
Names that share Lester's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Dorothy, Mildred, Ethel, Gladys, Ruth, Lois, Charmaine, Delois, Doretha, Exie, Loretha, Maurine, Arvilla, Cleta, Corena, Drema, Genell, Lemon, Londa, Louetta, Louvenia, Lynna, Myrl, Reatha, Trula, Willette, Beula, Celester, Claretha, Clydie, Docia, Laresa, Laverta, Lavetta, Luellen, Marceil, Mossie, Oletha, Oneda, Oretha, Sebrena, Shelva, Vergia, Virdie, Diahann, Fayetta, Faylene, Frona, Iline, Inza, Junella, Laverle, Lavora, Lestine, Linder, Loletta, Lorian, Macil, Marcha, Mazell, Modean, Seretha, Verneta, Waldine, Arleatha, Armentha, Charlestine, Cleaster, Darletta, Elnita, Ermalee, Evanell, Gerene, Karletta, Ladonne, Laruth, Levora, Loneta, Lurlean, Maysel, Ocia, Venida, Zenola
Brothers: Norman, Ernest, Harold, Clarence, Chester, Terrance, Barton, Berry, Chauncey, Cletus, Cleveland, Gaylord, Jerrold, Monte, Norris, Reynold, Sherwood, Ferrell, Hayward, Karlton, Lennis, Lenwood, Lyman, Prentis, Rolla, Theodis, Verdell, Vester, Welton, Ancil, Cornel, Erle, Estil, Ezzard, Garlan, Hulon, Levert, Levester, Melford, Melven, Murle, Ogden, Terril, Tevis, Thurmon, Volney, Wilbern, Arlester, Barth, Borden, Bueford, Clydell, Comer, Delno, Deloss, Dencil, Derril, Derrill, Dewie, Elester, Julis, Kester, Lecil, Liston, Loys, Murlin, Norval, Norville, Oather, Odies, Sebron, Wadell, Colburn, Aulton, Azell, Belton, Berle, Berlie, Boykin, Byard, Clester, Dareld, Densil, Elster, Ervine, Flemon, Garvis, Lavalle, Leroi, Lyndol, Mearle, Oney
Names like Lester
Names whose popularity has moved with Lester's over the last 50 years.
