Lester

boyOld English

Lester is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “From Leicester”.

MeaningFrom Leicester
GenderBoy
OriginOld English
PronunciationLES-ter
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Lester

Lester comes from an English surname for someone from Leicester, a city whose name combines a tribal or river name with ceaster, the Old English word for a Roman fort. It came into use as a first name in the nineteenth century and was popular in the United States into the 1930s. Bearers include the jazz saxophonist Lester Young.

Is Lester a religious name?

Lester is a secular English place name with no religious background.

How popular is Lester?

Rare for babies today; mostly found among older generations.

Gifts with the name Lester

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Lester

Les

Names similar to Lester

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lester mean?

Lester means 'From Leicester'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Lester have a religious meaning?

Lester is a secular English place name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Lester?

Lester is pronounced LES-ter.

Is Lester a boy or girl name?

Lester is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.