Surname Lesley - Meaning and Origin
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Lesley: What does the surname Lesley mean?
The surname Lesley is of Scottish origin, derived from a place-name in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place-name itself comes from the Gaelic elements "leas celyn" meaning "garden of hollies". It was first used as a surname by members of a family residing in the barony of Lesley in Aberdeenshire. Throughout history, the Lesley family held significant titles and wealth in Scotland. The name is also sometimes used as a first name. Like many Scottish names, Lesley may have different spellings such as Leslie, Lesly, or Lesslie. Despite its Scottish origins, today it is used by people across the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Overall, the surname Lesley signifies a connection to geographical location, natural features, and Scottish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisLesley: Where does the name Lesley come from?
The surname Lesley is of Scottish origin and is derived from a barony of the same name in Aberdeenshire. The surname predates the Scottish Wars of Independence and makes its first appearance in records with the Norman-Scot knight, Bartholomew Leslyn, who received a grant of the feudal barony from William the Lion, King of Scots, in the late 12th century.
The name Lesley is a locational surname, which historically was given to a person who hailed from a place called Lesley. The place is said to mean "garden of hollies". Over time, Lesley spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, and later, throughout the world following British colonial expansion.
Today, the surname Lesley might still be most common in Scotland owing to its historic origins. However, its presence is globally spread, with populations in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and the rest of the UK. The variations of spelling also exist and include Leslie, Leasley, and less commonly Laslie or Lesly.
Variations of the surname Lesley
The surname Lesley has several variants and possible spellings due to its widespread use and adaptation in different cultures and languages. Some of its variants include Leslie, Lesly, Lesslie, Leslee, and Lesli. There's also the possible use of a double-barrelled surname such as Leslie-Smith, Leslie-Jones, where the name functions more as a middle name.
Various possibilities exist for its origin. It's understood to be of Scottish origin, derived from a place in Aberdeenshire, Scotland named Leslie. Hence, other surnames originating from the same region could be considered surnames of the same origin.
Its spelling can be influenced by gender, with "Lesley" usually assigned to females and "Leslie" for males, primarily in North America. However, both spellings can be used irrespective of gender in Britain and other parts of the world. The spelling can also change based on language, for instance, in Spanish, it could be spelled as 'Lesli'.
It's also possible to find the surname combined in hyphenated forms such as Leslie-Scott, Leslie-James, or variable forms based on marital status, like Leslie-Walker for someone who married into the Walker family.
Always remember, the spelling, usage, and understanding of surnames can greatly vary across different cultures and societies.
Famous people with the name Lesley
- Lesley Stahl: American broadcast journalist who currently serves as a contributor to CBS News.
- Lesley Manville: English actress.
- Lesley Garrett: English soprano, broadcaster, and media personality.
- Lesley Anne Down: English actress, former model, and singer.
- Lesley Sharp: English actress who is known for her numerous film and television roles.
- Lesley Nicol: English actress, best known for her roles as ‘Mrs. Patmore’ on the television series ‘Downton Abbey.’
- Lesley Visser: American sportscaster and reporter who became the first female NFL analyst on television.
- Lesley Ann Warren: American actress who has prominent roles in films such as ‘Victor Victoria,’ ‘Clue,’ and ‘The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.’
- Lesley Blackner: American entrepreneur and real estate developer who is widely known for her political activism in the state of Florida.
- Lesley Rocamora: Philippine scholar of public administration, development, and social policy.