Lesta is a unique and captivating name of Latin origin. Its meaning is derived from the Latin word "lestes," which translates to "thief" or "robber." Despite its somewhat unusual meaning, Lesta has been embraced by many as a distinctive and powerful name choice.
The history of the name Lesta is not extensively documented, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Rome. In Roman culture, the word "lestes" was used to refer to individuals who were cunning and stealthy, often associated with criminals or highway robbers. However, over time, the name Lesta has evolved beyond its original meaning and has been adopted by many families as a unique and memorable choice for their children.
One notable figure with the name Lesta is the American baseball player Lester Rodney "Lesta" Rodney Jr., who played in the Major League Baseball during the 1950s. Although his career was cut short due to injury, Rodney remains an important figure in baseball history as one of the few African-American players to integrate minor league baseball in the South during segregation.
Today, Lesta is not a particularly common name, but it has gained popularity among parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their children. Despite its unconventional origin, many find Lesta's unique sound and powerful meaning appealing. Overall, Lesta is a captivating and memorable name choice with a rich history that transcends its original Latin roots.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Lesta has had varying levels of popularity over time in the United States from 1883 to 1968.
The peak years for the name Lesta appear to be during and after World War I. In 1917 and 1918, there were a total of 36 births with the name Lesta, which is the highest recorded number in any single year within this timeframe. This trend continued into the early 1920s, with years like 1921 (15 births) and 1923 (17 births) showing a high number of newborn girls named Lesta.
However, the popularity of the name Lesta began to decline in the late 1920s and continued into the 1930s. From 1928 onwards, the annual birth count for the name Lesta dropped significantly, with some years seeing as few as five births (e.g., 1961 and 1963).
Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in the popularity of the name Lesta during the post-World War II baby boom era. In 1957, there were 14 births with the name Lesta, which is higher than any year from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s.
Overall, while the name Lesta has not been particularly common throughout history in the United States, it has had periods of relative popularity, particularly during and after World War I and again briefly during the baby boom era.