Lesley

girlScottish

Lesley is a girl name of Scottish origin, meaning “Possibly 'holly garden'”.

MeaningPossibly 'holly garden'
GenderGirl
OriginScottish
PronunciationLEZ-lee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, Scotland, Canada

Meaning and origin of Lesley

Lesley is the usual feminine spelling of Leslie, a Scottish place and clan name from Aberdeenshire. Its meaning is uncertain; it is often explained as 'garden of holly' or 'court of hollies' from Gaelic, but this is not settled. The spelling Lesley for girls was popularised by Robert Burns's poem Bonnie Lesley in the late eighteenth century.

Is Lesley a religious name?

Lesley is a secular Scottish name with no religious background.

How popular is Lesley?

Popular in Britain from the 1940s to the 1960s; uncommon for babies now.

Gifts with the name Lesley

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Spellings and variants of Lesley

LeslieLeslyLezley

Names similar to Lesley

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lesley mean?

Lesley means 'Possibly 'holly garden''. It is of Scottish origin.

Does Lesley have a religious meaning?

Lesley is a secular Scottish name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Lesley?

Lesley is pronounced LEZ-lee.

Is Lesley a boy or girl name?

Lesley is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.