Lesley is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the place name "Leslie," which comes from the Old French word "less" meaning "garden." The name has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries in Scotland.
The earliest known use of Lesley as a given name was in the 16th century, when it was used by the Earls of Rothes. However, it did not become popular as a given name until much later, in the mid-20th century. Today, Lesley is still a relatively uncommon name, but it can be found worldwide.
The meaning behind the name Lesley varies depending on the source, but it is often interpreted to mean "garden" or "enclosed meadow." It is also sometimes associated with the Scottish motto "Virtutis Gloria Merces," which means "Glory is the reward of virtue."
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lesley. These include Lesley Howard, a British actor from the 1930s and 40s, and Lesley Joseph, an English actress best known for her role as Dorien Green in the sitcom "Birds of a Feather." In addition, Lesley is also a popular name among royalty, having been used by several members of the Scottish nobility throughout history.
The name Lesley experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the span of its recorded history. After starting with single-digit figures in the late 19th century, it peaked in the early 1950s with 102 births in 1958. However, from the mid-1970s onwards, there was a consistent decline, with the number of births dropping to single digits again by the turn of the millennium and remaining low since then.