Boy
Lester
fortified place
About Lester
Classic names from earlier generations often possess a charm and authenticity that newer inventions cannot replicate. This name carries a vintage quality that's experiencing renewed appreciation as parents look beyond current trends to rediscover forgotten gems. The straightforward, no-nonsense character reflects an era when names were chosen for durability rather than novelty. There's honesty in its sound—nothing pretentious or artificially constructed, just solid, dependable character. The name has seen various cycles of popularity, which gives it historical depth without feeling permanently dated. Its two-syllable structure provides substance without being cumbersome, and the familiar spelling eliminates confusion. This choice might appeal to those honoring family heritage or seeking something with established history rather than manufactured modernity. The name carries a certain warmth and approachability, suggesting someone down-to-earth and genuine. While not currently trending among top choices, this creates opportunity for distinction rather than ubiquity. It represents a return to simpler, more straightforward naming practices that prioritized clarity and tradition over creativity.
Popularity of the Name Lester
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | New Zealand | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | #121 | |||
| 1881 | #143 | |||
| 1882 | #110 | |||
| 1883 | #111 | |||
| 1884 | #118 | |||
| 1885 | #102 | |||
| 1886 | #98 | |||
| 1887 | #89 | |||
| 1888 | #97 | |||
| 1889 | #82 | |||
| 1890 | #76 | |||
| 1891 | #83 | |||
| 1892 | #81 | |||
| 1893 | #77 | |||
| 1894 | #69 | |||
| 1895 | #68 | |||
| 1896 | #65 | |||
| 1897 | #62 | |||
| 1898 | #70 | |||
| 1899 | #65 | |||
| 1900 | #60 | |||
| 1901 | #61 | |||
| 1902 | #58 | |||
| 1903 | #53 | #121 | ||
| 1904 | #61 | |||
| 1905 | #57 | #125 | ||
| 1906 | #52 | |||
| 1907 | #58 | |||
| 1908 | #60 | #118 | ||
| 1909 | #61 | #118 | ||
| 1910 | #64 | #120 | ||
| 1911 | #65 | #114 | ||
| 1912 | #58 | #136 | ||
| 1913 | #59 | #119 | ||
| 1914 | #57 | #115 | ||
| 1915 | #57 | #116 | ||
| 1916 | #59 | #128 | ||
| 1917 | #61 | |||
| 1918 | #62 | #113 | ||
| 1919 | #62 | #127 | ||
| 1920 | #69 | #126 | ||
| 1921 | #66 | #152 | ||
| 1922 | #69 | #135 | ||
| 1923 | #71 | #131 | ||
| 1924 | #72 | #134 | ||
| 1925 | #81 | #136 | ||
| 1926 | #78 | #139 | ||
| 1927 | #83 | #108 | ||
| 1928 | #89 | #128 | ||
| 1929 | #88 | #127 | ||
| 1930 | #95 | #125 | ||
| 1931 | #96 | #107 | ||
| 1932 | #101 | #124 | ||
| 1933 | #108 | #113 | ||
| 1934 | #110 | #130 | ||
| 1935 | #114 | #131 | ||
| 1936 | #115 | #143 | ||
| 1937 | #116 | |||
| 1938 | #115 | #147 | ||
| 1939 | #116 | #154 | ||
| 1940 | #116 | #135 | ||
| 1941 | #125 | #158 | ||
| 1942 | #126 | #120 | ||
| 1943 | #125 | #133 | ||
| 1944 | #126 | #166 | ||
| 1945 | #131 | #191 | ||
| 1946 | #145 | #140 | ||
| 1947 | #142 | #195 | ||
| 1948 | #149 | #134 | ||
| 1949 | #149 | #150 | ||
| 1950 | #148 | #147 | ||
| 1951 | #151 | #147 | ||
| 1952 | #158 | #138 | ||
| 1953 | #157 | #140 | ||
| 1954 | #164 | #148 | ||
| 1955 | #168 | #151 | ||
| 1956 | #176 | #158 | ||
| 1957 | #183 | #192 | ||
| 1958 | #192 | #185 | ||
| 1959 | #211 | #170 | ||
| 1960 | #213 | #198 | ||
| 1961 | #218 | #200 | ||
| 1962 | #230 | #208 | ||
| 1963 | #226 | #230 | ||
| 1964 | #243 | #236 | ||
| 1965 | #237 | #240 | ||
| 1966 | #261 | |||
| 1967 | #269 | #216 | #262 | |
| 1968 | #266 | |||
| 1969 | #277 | #320 | ||
| 1970 | #297 | |||
| 1971 | #308 | #289 | ||
| 1972 | #311 | |||
| 1973 | #337 | #359 | ||
| 1974 | #355 | |||
| 1975 | #344 | |||
| 1976 | #351 | |||
| 1977 | #366 | |||
| 1978 | #392 | |||
| 1979 | #390 | #316 | ||
| 1980 | #370 | |||
| 1981 | #387 | |||
| 1982 | #418 | |||
| 1983 | #409 | |||
| 1984 | #450 | |||
| 1985 | #485 | |||
| 1986 | #504 | |||
| 1987 | #548 | |||
| 1988 | #520 | |||
| 1989 | #547 | |||
| 1990 | #629 | |||
| 1991 | #601 | #965 | ||
| 1992 | #653 | #973 | ||
| 1993 | #648 | |||
| 1994 | #730 | #989 | ||
| 1995 | #798 | #823 | ||
| 1996 | #832 | |||
| 1997 | #853 | |||
| 1999 | #874 |
Top names by country: United States · New Zealand · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Lester
Names Similar to Lester
Nicknames for Lester
- Les
- Lessy
- Ster
- Lesty
Famous People Named Lester
| Lester B. Pearson | Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel laureate |
| Lester Young | American jazz saxophonist |
| Lester Holt | American journalist and news anchor |
| Lester Hayes | American football player and Super Bowl champion |
| Lester Bangs | American music journalist and critic |
| Lester Piggott | English jockey and nine-time Epsom Derby winner |
| Lester Flatt | American bluegrass musician |
| Lester Maddox | American politician and former Governor of Georgia |
| Lester Lanin | American jazz and pop music bandleader |
| Lester R. Brown | American environmentalist and author |
| Lester Bowie | American jazz saxophonist and composer |
| Lester Wunderman | American advertising executive, considered the father of direct marketing |
| Lester del Rey | American science fiction writer and editor |
Characters Named Lester
| Lester Nygaard | Character from "Fargo" TV series |
| Lester Crest | Character from the "Grand Theft Auto V" video game |
| Lester Burnham | Character from the film "American Beauty" |
| Lester Patel | Character from the TV series "Chuck" |