Leslie
Garden of holly, gray fortress
Name Details
| Origin Language | Scottish |
|---|---|
| Lucky Number | #7 |
| Lucky Days | Sunday |
| Lucky Colors | Blue, White, Gold |
| Lucky Stone | Crystal |
What Does the Name Leslie Mean?
Leslie is a Scottish name that holds the beautiful meaning of "Garden of holly, gray fortress". Rooted in the Scottish naming tradition, this name connects the child to a heritage of meaning, identity and cultural depth. Names from Scottish traditions carry cultural significance that connects the child to a heritage of meaning, identity and family values.
Choosing a name with a clear meaning and cultural origin gives the child a story they can understand, explain and carry with pride throughout their life. Understanding the linguistic origin and cultural setting of a name like Leslie helps parents make a choice that is both personally meaningful and culturally informed. Explore more names in our Christian Girls Names collection to compare options with similar roots and meanings.
In traditional name numerology, Leslie is associated with lucky number 7. The colors Blue, White, Gold are considered favorable , especially on Sunday. The gemstone Crystal is traditionally associated with this name. Numerology is a cultural tradition valued by many families — while it is not a science, it adds a personal layer of meaning to the naming process for those who appreciate these customs.
Explore More Christian Girls Names
Leslie is part of our curated Christian Girls Names collection, where every name includes its meaning, origin, pronunciation guide and cultural context. Browse the full collection to discover names with similar meanings and origins — and use the compare tool to evaluate your favorites side by side.
History / Notes
The name Leslie has no biblical history or references in scripture. It is a Scottish surname derived from a place name, probably from Gaelic "leas celyn" meaning "garden of holly" or from "lios" (fort, enclosure) and "celyn" (holly). The name originated as a Scottish clan nameΓÇöClan LeslieΓÇöwith a history dating back to the 11th century. The clans motto is "Grip fast," reflecting their determination and loyalty. As a given name, Leslie was originally masculine but became more common for females in the 20th century, following a pattern of surname-names and masculine-to-feminine transitions. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures, including the actor Leslie Howard, the director Leslie Nielsen, and in politics, Leslie Lynch King Jr., better known as President Gerald Ford (his birth name). In popular culture, the name is strongly associated with Leslie Knope from the television series "Parks and Recreation" (2009-2015), played by Amy Poehler. Leslie Knope is one of the most beloved characters in television comedyΓÇöa perpetually optimistic, fiercely dedicated public servant who believes passionately in government and its power to do good. Her character embodies enthusiasm, loyalty, competence, and an almost superhuman dedication to her friends and her work. The name thus carries the weight of this character, of a woman whose optimism is infectious, whose belief in the possibility of making things better never wavers. The Scottish heritage adds layers of clan loyalty, of "gripping fast" to what matters, of the hollys evergreen persistence through winter.