Lessie is a unique and charming feminine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Leslie, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic phrase "Leathlaidh", meaning "garden". The name has been used as a given name since the late 19th century.
The name Lessie is not particularly popular, but it has gained some recognition due to its association with notable figures such as American musician Lesslie "Les" Paul, inventor of the solid-body electric guitar, and Scottish-American actress Lesley Ann Warren. Despite its rarity, the name Lessie possesses a certain warmth and vintage charm that makes it appealing to those seeking an unusual yet classic name for their daughter.
In terms of history, there is not much information available about people named Lessie throughout history. However, it can be inferred that the name has been used primarily in Scotland and among Scottish communities elsewhere in the world since its inception as a given name.
Overall, Lessie is a delightful and distinctive feminine given name with Scottish origins and a meaning related to gardens. While not widely popular, this name offers an attractive alternative for parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their daughter.
The name Lessie has been given to a total of 945 babies born in the United States over the years, with fluctuations in its popularity from one decade to another.
From 1883 to 1920, the name saw moderate usage, with an average of around 7 births per year. The number of Lessie births peaked during World War I and immediately afterwards, with a high of 29 births in 1920. However, this popularity was short-lived, as the following decade saw a significant drop in usage, with an average of approximately 18 births per year between 1921 and 1930.
The 1930s marked another period of increased usage for the name Lessie, with an average of around 17 births per year. This trend continued into the early 1940s, with a high of 26 births in 1934 and another peak of 28 births in 1935.
However, after World War II, the popularity of the name Lessie began to decline steadily. From 1947 to 1969, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average. In fact, some years saw only five or six babies named Lessie born in the United States.
In recent decades, the name Lessie has been used even less frequently. Between 1970 and 2000, there were fewer than five births per year with this name each year except for 1986, which saw a slight increase with five births. Overall, the name Lessie has seen a significant decrease in popularity over time, with its usage now rare compared to its heyday in the early 20th century.