Lesley Name Meaning & Origin
Lesley
Origin of the name Lesley:
Transferred use of the surname originating in Scotland from the place-name Leslyn, which is said to be derived from less lea (smaller meadow, smaller clearing). Var: Leslie.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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- Comments and insights on the name Lesley
This is technically the feminine form of the name Leslie.
It can also be pronounced LESS - lee- Personal experiences with the name Lesley
- Nicknames for Lesley
Les, Lessy, Lelly
Sometimes people call me lellie or les, but i dont like les that much.
My name is Lesley. Apparently, my grandmother had an Uncle Leslie, so she insisted that my parents give me the alternative (feminine) spelling, although she herself subsequently always sent me letters that began "Dear Leslie . . ."! I definitely aesthetically prefer Lesley to Leslie, but people ALWAYS spell end up spelling it incorrectly. There is some debate as to whether Lesley should be pronounced with the "s" or "z" emphasis (ie. Lesley vs. Lezley). Personally, I don't care, but I found on the East Coast, people prefer the "z" version. People often mishear me (or forget) and call me Lindsay. A few nicknames I've had in the past include Lester, Lesbo, and Lesleyola--nothing one can't laugh off. Overall, it has been a solid name.
- Meanings and history of the name Lesley
- Famous real-life people named Lesley
Lesley Stahl, reporter
Lesley-Ann Warren, Actress
Lesley Gore, Singer- Lesley in song, story & screen
"Bonnie Lesley" -- Poem by Robert Burns, 1759–1796.