Lesley

Lesley is a given name commonly used as a feminine form of the surname Leslie. It is one of several spellings of the name, including Leslie, Lesley, and Lesli. The name derives from the Scottish surname Leslie, which itself originates from the place name Leslie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place-name origin is medieval in origin, and the surname spread to other parts of Scotland and beyond.

In modern usage, Lesley is primarily feminine in English-speaking countries, while Leslie remains widely used for both genders, particularly as a male name in some regions. The standard pronunciation is two syllables: LES-lee, though regional variations exist.

Variants include Lesley, Leslie, and Lesli, and some families preserve the spelling as a tradition. The name has been adopted across various English-speaking cultures and appears in literature and media in multiple forms.

Notable bearers with the given name Lesley include several actresses, journalists, and writers, reflecting its broad adoption in contemporary times. The name remains in use today as a personal given name and as a surname-derived given name in many countries.