Lester Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lester come from? What does the surname Lester mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lester and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Lester Origin: What does the last name Lester mean?
The surname Lester is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that dates back to the early 16th century in the United Kingdom. Derived from Old English, Lester was a given name that later transitioned into a surname. Over time, the Lester surname gained significant popularity in the United States, surpassing its prevalence in the UK by the 17th century. Today, the name Lester is most commonly found in the United States, with a notable presence in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and more.
YourRoots data indicates that the Lester surname has a long history, starting in England and gradually spreading globally over the centuries. The name Lester has evolved and adapted as it traveled to different countries, reflecting a diverse and widespread family heritage. Despite its ancient origins, the Lester surname continues to be present in various regions around the world, showcasing its enduring legacy and influence across different cultures.
Lester Last Name History: Where did the last name Lester come from?
Origin of Lester Surname: Where does the last name Lester originate from?
Based on YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Lester is traced back to the United Kingdom, specifically England, in the early 16th century. Please remember that our data only covers the exact spelling of "Lester" and does not include other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Lester: How has the Lester surname evolved over time?
The "Lester" surname was initially documented in the United Kingdom during the 16th century. As per YourRoots data, the frequency of Lester family records started growing significantly in the United States from the 17th century onwards, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence. This trend continues into the 18th and 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lester surname today?
From the 16th century, the Lester surname began to appear more frequently in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, YourRoots data shows the "Lester" surname is most prominent in the United States, with a significant presence globally, including countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, and the Netherlands.
Explore Lester last name heritage and Lester surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lester Surame?
Adrian Lester
Adrian Anthony Lester (born Anthony Harvey on 14 Aug 1968) is a British actor known for his work on the London stage and television. He has won a Laurence Olivier Award and been nominated for a Tony Award. Lester has appeared in various notable productions, including playing Othello at the National Theatre and portraying Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall. He made his Broadway debut in The Lehman Trilogy in 2021, earning a Tony Award nomination. Lester's versatile acting skills have garnered him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base in both the UK and the US.
Phil Lester
Philip Michael Lester (Jan 30, 1987 - ) is an English YouTuber and radio host known for his channels AmazingPhil and DanAndPhilGAMES. Alongside Daniel Howell, he presented the Sunday night show Dan and Phil on BBC Radio 1 and was named one of the top influencers in the UK by The Sunday Times. Lester's YouTube success includes hitting milestones like 1 million subscribers in 2013 and 4 million in 2017. He also appeared in the film Faintheart and on shows like Friday Download. With a background in English Language and Linguistics, Lester continues to entertain and engage audiences through his online presence.
Richard Lester
Richard Lester Liebman (Jan 19, 1932) is a retired American film director known for his fast-paced, flamboyant style in films like A Hard Day's Night (1964) and Help! (1965) featuring the Beatles. He also directed superhero films like Superman II (1980) and III (1983) and comedies like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966). Lester's work in the Swinging Sixties captured the era's vitality and humor, earning him acclaim and two BAFTA Award nominations. His collaborations with iconic actors and musicians have left a lasting impact on pop culture.
Jon Lester
Jonathan Tyler Lester (born January 7, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals. Lester overcame lymphoma to win the final game of the 2007 World Series for the Red Sox and pitched a no-hitter in 2008. He helped secure championships for the Red Sox in 2013 and the Cubs in 2016. Lester's resilience and success on the field have made him a well-respected figure in the baseball world.
Mark L. Lester
Mark L. Lester (Nov 26, 1946 - ) is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for cult classics like Commando and Firestarter. Lester rose to fame with his thrillers and action films in the 1980s, working with stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dolph Lundgren. He founded production companies and continued to make films into the 2000s, showcasing his diverse range as a filmmaker. With a career spanning decades, Lester has left a lasting impact on the film industry with his unique storytelling and visual style.
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