Leslie

The surname Leslie is of Scottish origin, deriving from the barony of Leslie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The name is thought to come from the Gaelic elements "lios," meaning garden or enclosed place, and "cuidheachd," meaning seat or throne, suggesting a connection to a ruler or leader.

The Leslie family has a long and illustrious history, with records tracing back to the 12th century. The Leslie clan played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly during the medieval period, when they were closely associated with the Scottish monarchy. The most famous member of the Leslie family is likely Alexander Leslie, the 1st Earl of Leven, who was a prominent military leader during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century.

In addition to Scotland, the Leslie surname has spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, due to factors such as migration and the Scottish diaspora. It has also been borne by notable individuals in various fields, including the arts, politics, and academia.

Today, the surname Leslie is still relatively common in Scotland and is also found in England, Northern Ireland, and other English-speaking countries. It continues to carry a sense of heritage and tradition, reflecting the enduring significance of the Leslie family in British history.

There are approximately 9,884 people named Leslie in the UK. That makes it the 939th most common surname in Britain. Around 152 in a million people in Britain are named Leslie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.