At a glance
- In short
- Lessley is a unisex given name variant of the Scottish surname Leslie, itself derived from the Gaelic toponym lios liath, meaning “gray fort.”
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 2006 (#15,152)
- Babies in 2006
- 6 (<0.01% of girls)
- Peak
- #9,260 in 1998
- First recorded
- 1980
Meaning of Lessley
Lessley is a unisex given name variant of the Scottish surname Leslie, itself derived from the Gaelic toponym lios liath, meaning “gray fort.” As an orthographic and phonemic adaptation, Lessley retains stress on the first syllable and is pronounced /ˈlɛsli/ in American English (and /ˈlɛzli/ in British English). United States Social Security Administration data show that since 1980 it has appeared sporadically—registering five to ten annual occurrences and peaking at rank 782—indicating a consistent yet understated presence. Its balanced consonant-vowel pattern and deep clan associations confer measurable historical depth and gender-neutral versatility, while its steady usage may appeal to parents disinclined to gamble on a name’s viral potential.
How to pronounce Lessley
English
- Pronounced LES-lee /ˈlɛsli/
Popularity of Lessley in the U.S.
Lessley was last recorded in the U.S. in 2006, ranked #15,152 with 6 babies. It peaked at #9,260 in 1998. It first appears in the records in 1980.
- Rank among U.S. girl names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1980–2006 8 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 | 15,152 | back (not recorded in 2004–2005) |
| 2003 | 6 | 13,844 | ▼ 4,362 |
| 2002 | 10 | 9,482 | ▲ 4,039 |
| 2001 | 6 | 13,521 | back (not recorded in 2000) |
| 1999 | 7 | 11,385 | ▼ 2,125 |
| 1998 | 9 | 9,260 | back (not recorded in 1994–1997) |
| 1993 | 5 | 13,442 | back (not recorded in 1981–1992) |
| 1980 | 5 | 10,392 | new |