Leslie Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Leslie come from? What does the surname Leslie mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Leslie and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Leece, Lasley, Laslie, Lesley, Lessley, Lesslie
Surname Leslie Origin: What does the last name Leslie mean?
The Leslie surname, derived from the name of Clan Leslie, may also be spelled Lesley. It originates from a placename in Aberdeenshire, possibly anglicized from Gaelic leas celyn, meaning "holly-garden." Another possible origin is as an anglicization of the male name Ladislaus, with Slavic elements meaning 'rule' and 'glory'. The earliest record of the Leslie surname dates back to Scotland in the 11th century, spreading to other countries in the following centuries.
YourRoots data shows that the Leslie surname began spreading globally from the 16th to the 18th centuries, with significant records in the United States by the 19th century. Today, the Leslie surname can be found in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, reflecting its widespread presence across various nations worldwide.
Leslie Last Name History: Where did the last name Leslie come from?
Origin of Leslie Surname: Where does the last name Leslie originate from?
The earliest record of the Leslie surname, according to YourRoots data, is found in Scotland (United Kingdom) around the beginning of the 11th century. It's important to note that this data only pertains to the exact spelling of "Leslie" in the YourRoots database.
History of the Last Name Leslie: What does the Leslie surname history look like in the early days?
From the 11th to 15th centuries, the Leslie surname was predominantly recorded in Scotland. The YourRoots records from the 16th to 18th centuries indicate that the surname began spreading to other countries during these periods.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Leslie surname today?
By the 19th century, the frequency of Leslie records had noticeably grown in the United States, surpassing Scotland for the first time. This trend continued into the 20th century. Today, the Leslie surname appears in various countries worldwide. According to YourRoots data, it's prominently found in nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Explore Leslie last name heritage and Leslie surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Leslie Surame?
Joan Leslie
Joan Agnes Theresa Sadie Brodel (January 26, 1925 - October 12, 2015) was an American actress known for her roles in classic films like "High Sierra" and "Sergeant York" during the Hollywood Golden Age. Born into a family of vaudevillians, she made her mark as a talented performer at a young age.
Ryan Leslie
Anthony Ryan Leslie (Sep 25, 1978 - ) is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Known for his work in R&B and hip-hop, Leslie has collaborated with artists like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Usher. He also founded the direct text marketing service SuperPhone.
Elsie Leslie
Elsie Leslie (August 14, 1881 - October 31, 1966) was America's first child star and the highest paid child actress of her time. Known for her roles in productions like "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "The Prince and the Pauper," she captivated audiences with her talent and charm.
Delroy Leslie
Delroy Leslie (February 27, 1970) is a retired Jamaican boxer who competed in the Men's Lightweight division at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Despite being defeated in the first round, Leslie made his mark in the world of boxing.
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