Origin & Meaning of the Leslie Surname
What does the last name Leslie mean?
The surname Leslie carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 25,078 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leslie ranks as the #1,417 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leslie come from?
The Leslie surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Leslie name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leslie trace back to French. 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 | Leslie |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,417 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,078 |
| Per 100K People | 8.5 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leslie
According to the US Census, the Leslie surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,078 Americans with the Leslie last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.64% |
| Black | 19.47% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.13% |
| Native American | 1.28% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Leslie Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leslie surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leslie surname increased by 812 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Leslie
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Leslie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leslie
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