Leslie is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish surname Leslie, which was originally a Norman French name meaning "from Lessay", a town in Normandy, France. The name has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history.
The first recorded use of the name Leslie as a given name was in Scotland during the 13th century. It was initially used as a boy's name, but over time it became more commonly associated with girls.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Leslie. One of the most famous is Henry Leslie, an English composer and organist who lived during the 17th century. Another notable figure is the American actress Leslie Howard, who was active in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.
Today, Leslie remains a popular given name, with variations such as Lesley and Leslie-Anne being particularly common. Despite its traditional Scottish origins, the name has been widely adopted around the world and is now used by people of various backgrounds and nationalities.
The name Lesli experienced a significant peak in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 145 births recorded annually between 1963 and 1974. However, its usage has since declined considerably, with fewer than 50 births per year occurring from 1983 onwards, and as low as single digits in recent years.