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Lester Boy

Popularity: #815 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationLES-ter / /ˈlɛstər/

English; Latin

Meaning

English: from the camp; Latin: from the town

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lester has its roots in the Old English word "leah," meaning "meadow" or "clearing," combined with "ceaster," which refers to a Roman fort or town. This etymological composition suggests a geographical origin, likely referring to a settlement near a meadow or clearing associated with a Roman site. The name evolved through various forms, including the Latin "Lepidum" and the Old French "Lestre," before making its way into Middle English as "Lester." The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French names were adopted into the English lexicon.

Historically, the name Lester is associated with the city of Leicester in England, which has roots dating back to Roman times. The city was known as "Ratae Corieltauvorum" during the Roman occupation, and it became a significant urban center in the medieval period. The name Lester has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including Lester B. Pearson, a Canadian statesman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Lester Young, an influential jazz saxophonist in the early 20th century. The name has also appeared in literature and popular culture, contributing to its historical significance.

Culturally, the name Lester has been associated with notions of strength and resilience, likely due to its connection to the enduring legacy of the city of Leicester. The name has been used in various artistic expressions, including literature and music, which have helped to maintain its presence in cultural memory. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Les have emerged, reflecting a more informal and affectionate usage of the name. Overall, Lester carries a rich historical and cultural resonance, rooted in its geographical origins and the notable figures who have borne the name.

Trend Summary

Lester has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lestair
  • Lestir

International Variants

  • Léster (Spanish)
  • Lester (French)

Famous people named Lester

Lester Young is a jazz saxophonist best known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra and his influence on the cool jazz movement.

Lester Holt is a journalist best known for being the anchor of NBC Nightly News and hosting Dateline NBC.

Lester B. Pearson is a diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate best known for his role in founding the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.

Fictional characters named Lester

Lester Burnham is a fictional character from the film American Beauty. He is a middle-aged man undergoing a midlife crisis, seeking to reclaim his lost youth and happiness.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lester was first seen in the United States in 1880. Lester has ranked as high as #147 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Ohio, and California. In the past 5 years the name Lester has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lester (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 8
13%
PA 8
13%
FL 8
13%
CA 7
11%
OH 6
10%
IN 5
8%
MI 5
8%
NC 5
8%
TX 5
8%
WI 5
8%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880109
188187
1882134
1883116
1884123
1885141
1886160
1887168
1888189
1889213
1890226
1891191
1892240
1893243
1894291
1895295
1896318
1897310
1898298
1899290
1900431
1901332
1902385
1903400
1904398
1905432
1906482
1907491
1908509
1909501
1910556
1911657
19121,443
19131,736
19142,164
19152,943
19162,907
19172,854
19183,229
19193,020
19203,068
19213,076
19222,951
19232,765
19242,780
19252,559
19262,539
19272,440
19282,229
19292,106
19302,020
19311,919
19321,813
19331,644
19341,687
19351,626
19361,546
19371,576
19381,604
19391,549
19401,591
19411,563
19421,749
19431,764
19441,650
19451,618
19461,669
19471,944
19481,782
19491,751
19501,760
19511,721
19521,724
19531,776
19541,759
19551,691
19561,702
19571,636
19581,466
19591,335
19601,316
19611,285
19621,116
19631,101
1964999
1965956
1966771
1967731
1968747
1969718
1970680
1971632
1972589
1973504
1974471
1975497
1976475
1977453
1978387
1979422
1980466
1981437
1982400
1983399
1984346
1985321
1986302
1987277
1988309
1989314
1990260
1991287
1992251
1993252
1994207
1995179
1996172
1997166
1998133
1999173
2000144
2001142
2002139
2003148
2004137
2005127
2006146
2007119
2008142
2009127
2010118
2011102
2012104
2013125
2014106
2015104
2016105
201787
201893
2019100
2020109
2021109
202294
202382
2024109