The name Leslie is of Scottish origin and is a gender-neutral given name. It is derived from the Old French word "Lais" which means "garden" or "laurel," and was originally used as a surname before becoming a popular given name in the 19th century.
The name Leslie gained popularity during the Victorian era, particularly among the British aristocracy, and has since been associated with elegance and sophistication. It is often considered to be a unisex name, although it has traditionally been more common for females than males.
Some notable people who have borne the name Leslie include American actress Leslie Nielsen, known for his comedic roles in films such as "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun" series; British author Leslie Charteris, creator of the popular Simon Templar character; and Australian singer-songwriter Leslie Harvey, a member of the progressive rock band Eloy.
Overall, the name Leslie has a rich history and has been carried by many notable individuals throughout the years. Its Scottish origins and elegant connotations make it a timeless choice for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name for their child.
The name Leslie experienced a significant increase in popularity during the late 19th to mid-20th century, with a peak in the early 1950s. From just 79 births in 1880, it rose to its peak of 2359 births in 1952. However, since then, its popularity has steadily declined, reaching as low as 26 births in 2020 and 40 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 112916 births named Leslie from 1880 to 2023.