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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.53% |
| Black | 14.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 1.13% |
| Two or More Races | 2.36% |
Popularity of Lesley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lesley surname has changed in prevalence.
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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The Complete Story of the Lesley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lesley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lesley
- ✓ The Lesley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lesley families live today
- ✓ Notable Lesley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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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
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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