Lesley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #10,891 in the US 2,925 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#10,891
▼ Down 625 since 2000
People in the US
2,925
0.99 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Lesley Surname

What does the last name Lesley mean?

The surname Lesley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,925 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lesley ranks as the #10,891 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Lesley come from?

The Lesley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lesley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Lesley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Lesley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #10,891
US Count (2010) 2,925
Per 100K People 0.99
First Letter L

Ethnic Distribution of Lesley

According to the US Census, the Lesley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,925 Americans with the Lesley last name.

White 78.53%
Black 14.8%
Hispanic 2.56%
Asian/PI 0.62%
Native American 1.13%
Two+ Races 2.36%
Ethnic distribution of the Lesley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White78.53%
Black14.8%
Hispanic2.56%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.62%
Native American1.13%
Two or More Races2.36%

Popularity of Lesley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lesley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#10,266
2,877 people
Down 625
Census 2010
#10,891
2,925 people

The number of Americans with the Lesley surname increased by 48 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Lesley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lesley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Lesley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lesley.

Other English Surnames

Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Lesley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lesley

The surname Lesley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Lesley is ranked #10,891 in the United States with approximately 2,925 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Lesley surname is distributed as: 78.5% White, 14.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Lesley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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