Lesley is a unisex given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Leeslie," which was originally an Anglicized form of the Old Norse personal name "Ljótólfr." The name Ljótólfr means "famous wolf" in Old Norse, with "ljótr" meaning "wolf" and "ólfr" meaning "wolf."
The name Lesley first appeared as a forename in Scotland during the 16th century. It was initially used primarily for boys, but by the late 19th century, it began to be used for girls as well. Today, Lesley is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for females.
In some cases, Lesley may also be considered an English or American name due to its popularity in those regions. However, its Scottish origins are widely recognized.
There do not appear to be any significant historical figures named Lesley, and there are no major holidays or events associated with the name. Its popularity has varied over time and across different countries, but it remains a relatively uncommon name worldwide. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, Lesley ranked #786 for girls and #1349 for boys in 2020.
Overall, Lesley is a unique and historically significant unisex given name with Scottish origins that has been used for both boys and girls since the late 19th century. Its meaning, "famous wolf," may give it an appealing edge for parents looking for a distinctive name with a strong historical background.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Lesley has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States.
In the early 20th century, between 1893 and 1923, the number of babies named Lesley fluctuated between 5 and 17 births per year. However, starting from 1924, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with over 14 births each year until 1932.
The peak of popularity for the name Lesley occurred during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1946 and 1957, there were over 200 births per year on average, reaching a high of 397 births in 1957.
Interestingly, Lesley was particularly popular among parents naming their children during the late 1960s to early 1970s. From 1965 to 1974, there were over 600 births per year on average, with a peak of 849 births in 1971.
However, like many names that gain extreme popularity, Lesley began to see a decline in usage after the mid-1970s. From 1975 onwards, the number of babies named Lesley dropped significantly, reaching a low of 29 births in 2023.
In total, over the past century, there have been approximately 34,232 babies named Lesley born in the United States. While the name has seen considerable fluctuations in popularity, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents looking to honor family tradition or stand out from more common names.