Origin and Meaning of Lester

Fortress or camp

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English 'Le grest' which means 'the camp or fort' and is often associated with the historic town of Leicester in England.

• The name Lester has a geographical connection, historically linked to the English city of Leicester, which has Roman origins.
• In the United States, Lester became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in usage during the 1920s.
• Notable bearers of the name include Lester Young, a prominent jazz tenor saxophonist, and Lester Holt, an acclaimed television journalist.
• While Lester's popularity has declined since its peak, it remains a recognizable name and is often associated with traditional values.
• Variations of Lester include Lestair and Les, and it is occasionally used as a surname.