The name Lester is a popular English name that has been used for centuries. It is a name that has an interesting history and a unique meaning. In this article, we will explore the origins and meaning of the name Lester in detail.
What Does the Name Lester Mean?
The name Lester means “from the legion’s camp” or “from Leicester.” The name has its roots in Old English and originated from the town of Leicester in England. The town’s name comes from the Old English words “Ligore-ceaster,” which means “the fortified town on the River Ligore.”
The History of the Name Lester
The name Lester has a long and interesting history. It was first recorded as a surname in England in the 13th century. It was commonly used as a surname until the 19th century when it became a popular given name.
One of the most famous people to bear the name Lester was Sir William Lester, a prominent 17th-century merchant who served as Lord Mayor of London. Another notable person named Lester was Lester B. Pearson, who was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
Famous People Named Lester
Over the years, there have been many famous people named Lester. Some of the most notable include:
- Lester Bangs: American music journalist and critic
- Lester Young: American jazz saxophonist
- Lester Flatt: American bluegrass musician
- Lester Holt: American journalist and news anchor
- Lester Patrick: Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Popularity of the Name Lester
The popularity of the name Lester has varied over time. It was most popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s. It then saw a decline in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s but has remained a moderately popular name ever since.
In recent years, the name Lester has not been as commonly used as it once was, ranking at number 1,954 on the list of most popular baby names in the United States in 2020.
Variations of the Name Lester
Like many names, Lester has several variations that have been used over the years. Some of these variations include:
- Lestor
- Leister
- Lyster
- Lyester
- Laister
- Loester
Naming Babies Lester
If you are considering naming your baby Lester, there are a few things to keep in mind. While the name may not be as popular as it once was, it still carries a lot of history and meaning. It is also a name that is easy to spell and pronounce, which can be important when choosing a name for your child.
When it comes to middle names, there are many options that would work well with Lester. Some popular choices include William, James, Michael, and Alexander.
Famous Characters Named Lester
Lester is a name that has been used in literature, television, and film. Some of the most famous characters named Lester include:
- Lester Nygaard: A character from the television series “Fargo”
- Lester Burnham: The main character from the film “American Beauty”
- Lester Ballard: The main character from the novel “Child of God” by Cormac McCarthy
- Lester Freamon: A character from the television series “The Wire”
- Lester Crest: A character from the video game “Grand Theft Auto V”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Lester has a rich history and an interesting meaning. It has been used for centuries as both a surname and a given name and has been borne by many notable people. While it may not be as popular today as it once was, it is still a name with a lot of character and charm.
FAQs
- Is Lester a common name?
- Lester is not as commonly used today as it once was but remains a moderately popular name.
- Where did the name Lester come from?
- The name Lester originated in the town of Leicester in England and means “from the legion’s camp” or “from Leicester.”
- What are some variations of the name Lester?
- Some variations of the name Lester include Lestor, Leister, and Lyster.
- Who are some famous people named Lester?
- Some famous people named Lester include Lester Bangs, Lester Young, and Lester Flatt.
- What are some good middle names for Lester?
- Some good middle names for Lester include William, James, Michael, and Alexander.
We’re Emma Carole Paradis and Kimberly Carole, the owners and designers of Impeccable Nest, based in Bedford, New Hampshire. A mother-daughter team with a love of design. Originally from Manhattan Beach, California, now based in Bedford, New Hampshire, we bring a Southern California cool and New England tradition to our design. Not only do we work together…we also live together in a multi-generational home…and a home that they are known to design for others.
