Leslie Downes

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Leslie Downes — Celtic
239K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Leslie Downes is a name that combines Celtic origins. The first name Leslie is a feminine given name of Celtic origin. Leslie is a surname and given name, derived from the name of Clan Leslie. The name may also be spelled Lesley. The name derives from a placename in Aberdeenshire, perhaps an anglicisation of an originally Gaelic leas celyn "holly-garden". In the United Kingdom, the name is spelled Leslie when given to boys, while for girls it is usually rendered as Lesley. Leslie is also used as an anglicization of the male name Ladislaus, or its variant László. In this context, the name is derived from Slavic elements, with 'vladeti' meaning 'rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory'. The surname Downes: Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes. Leslie is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 239K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Leslie reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Leslie

Celtic

Leslie is a surname and given name, derived from the name of Clan Leslie. The name may also be spelled Lesley. The name derives from a placename in Aberdeenshire, perhaps an anglicisation of an originally Gaelic leas celyn "holly-garden". In the United Kingdom, the name is spelled Leslie when given to boys, while for girls it is usually rendered as Lesley. Leslie is also used as an anglicization of the male name Ladislaus, or its variant László. In this context, the name is derived from Slavic elements, with 'vladeti' meaning 'rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory'.

Surname: Downes

Irish

Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Leslie is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Leslie by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Leslie Downes

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Leslie Downes:

7
Expression Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

3
Soul Urge Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

22
Personality Number

Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Leslie?
The first name Leslie originates from Celtic. Leslie is a surname and given name, derived from the name of Clan Leslie. The name may also be spelled Lesley. The name derives from a placename in Aberdeenshire, perhaps an anglicisation of an originally Gaelic leas celyn "holly-garden". In the United Kingdom, the name is spelled Leslie when given to boys, while for girls it is usually rendered as Lesley. Leslie is also used as an anglicization of the male name Ladislaus, or its variant László. In this context, the name is derived from Slavic elements, with 'vladeti' meaning 'rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory'.
When was Leslie most popular?
The name Leslie reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Downes?
The surname Downes originates from Irish. Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes.
What are the origins of the name Leslie Downes?
The name Leslie Downes combines two different traditions: the first name Leslie has Celtic roots, while the surname Downes originates from Irish.
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