Lessia is a unique and captivating female name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "lessi," which means "more" or "abundant." However, unlike other names with similar meanings like Abigale or Seraphina, Lessia does not explicitly convey this notion in its pronunciation.
In Russia and other Slavic countries, Lessia has been a popular name for centuries. It is often associated with the literary figure Lidiya Lessia Ukrainka, a renowned Ukrainian poet and playwright who was born Lesya Ukrainka in 1871. Her birth name was actually Lidiya Kostyrina, but she adopted the pen name "Lessia" early on in her career.
While Lessia may not be as well-known internationally compared to other Slavic names like Sasha or Svetlana, it has been embraced by many families throughout Eastern Europe who appreciate its distinctiveness and rich history. Today, Lessia continues to be a beloved choice among parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters.
The name Lessia experienced a gradual increase in popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s in the United States. In 1959, there were 5 births with the name Lessia, followed by an increase to 8 births in 1960. By 1963, the number of babies named Lessia had risen again, this time to 10 births. Overall, from 1959 to 1963, there were a total of 23 children born in the United States with the name Lessia. This shows a steady growth in the popularity of the name during this period.