Lester

Lester is a masculine given name and a surname used in English-speaking countries. As a given name, it has been in use since the 19th century and was particularly common in the mid-20th century in several regions. As a surname, Lester originated as a toponymic name for people from places in England and later spread to other countries through migration.

The name is generally considered to be of English origin, linked to place-names rather than a meaning-bearing word. Over time, it became established as a first name in addition to its use as a surname.

Notable people with the given name include Lester B. Pearson (1897–1972), a Canadian politician who served as prime minister and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957; Lester Young (1909–1959), a prominent American jazz saxophonist known as "Prez"; and Lester Holt (born 1959), an American journalist and news anchor.

As a surname, Lester appears across English-speaking countries and has been borne by various figures in politics, arts, and sports. The surname is also found among fictional characters in literature and media.

There are places named Lester in North America, including towns and communities in the United States and Canada.

In popular culture, the given name Lester has appeared in film and television, such as Lester Burnham, the lead in American Beauty, and Lester Freamon, a detective in The Wire.