From a Scottish surname which was derived from a Scottish place name, probably derived from Gaelic leas celyn meaning "garden of holly". It has been used as a given name since the 19th century. In America it was more common as a feminine name after the 1940s. Leslie originates in Scottish language and means "holly orchard". It was derived from an old Scottish surname and as a surname it functions until today. It can also be used as both feminine and masculine given names, currently it is more popular for girls. As a given name it has been used since the end of the 19th century.
