Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Leslie
GirlScottish, English· “possibly garden of holly”
- Meaning
- possibly garden of holly (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, English
- Pronunciation
- LEZ-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #712
- US babies 2025
- 393
- Best rank
- #56 (1981)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Leslie
Leslie is often said to mean “possibly garden of holly”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and English roots.
Leslie comes from a Scottish surname taken from a place name in Aberdeenshire. The meaning of the place name is uncertain; one common suggestion is the Gaelic leas cuilinn, "garden of holly," but this is not proven. The Leslie clan became a prominent Scottish family, and the name was first used as a given name for boys. In the twentieth century it became more common for girls in the United States, while Lesley is a frequent spelling in Britain. Leslie has a warm, friendly sound and a mid-century familiarity, and Les or Lee can be used as short forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lesley.
Popularity over time
Leslie has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #56 in 1981, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 6,103 were named Leslie. In 2025, 393 babies were named Leslie, and it ranked #712 nationally. That is 55% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #759 in 1920, #134 in 1950, #61 in 1980, #90 in 2000, #199 in 2010, and #712 in 2025. Of the 270,429 US girls named Leslie since records began, 20% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 44,839 babies. Since 2010, 12,499 more have been named Leslie.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anita, Vickie, Maureen, Wanda, and Lynn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leslie ranked highest in Maryland, Illinois, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #409 | 13 |
| Illinois | #427 | 25 |
| Texas | #473 | 69 |
| Kentucky | #476 | 9 |
| California | #527 | 63 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Leslie over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Leslie is usually pronounced LEZ-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-ie”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lesley.
Middle names for Leslie
A few middle names that flow with Leslie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leslie
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Lists that include Leslie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leslie mean?
Leslie is often said to mean “possibly garden of holly”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Leslie?
Leslie has Scottish and English roots. Leslie comes from a Scottish surname taken from a place name in Aberdeenshire.
Is Leslie a popular name?
Yes. Leslie ranked #712 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leslie a boy or girl name?
Leslie is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Leslie over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Leslie?
Leslie is usually pronounced LEZ-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings