Lester

Meaning: Not established
Origin: English surname — From the place name Leicester

Boy's name · #1641 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Lester belongs to an older America first — it reached #52 back in 1906 — yet it still appears in today's records at #1641. About 131,000 boys have carried it since 1880. In all that time it has never once missed a year of the national records.

Across the states

See where Lester is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 9 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Lester ranks in other countries and regions.

#1,550 in Ecuador (2025) · #1,367 in Belgium (2023) · #2,921 in Canada (2023) · #3,450 in England & Wales (2022) · #2,021 in Sweden (2020) · #2,431 in Austria (2012) · #409 in Puerto Rico (2011) · #4,110 in France (2005) · #292 in Ireland (1979) · #289 in New Zealand (1971).

Famous Lesters

Lester B. Pearson — Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968 (1897–1972)
Lester Young — American jazz saxophonist (1909–1959)
Lester Bangs — American music critic (1948–1982)
Lester Holt — American journalist and news anchor (born 1959)
Lester Speight — American professional wrestler and actor (born 1963)

In stories & tradition

Lester (Bullseye) — Supervillain appearing in Marvel Comics
Lester Krinklesac — The Cleveland Show (TV series)
Lester Nygaard — Fargo character

What Lesters become

Among 504 notable people named Lester:

Military figures appear 1.61× more often than among typical names — e.g. Lester Lyles, US Air Force general (born 1946).

Similar names: Milton · Leroy · Clifford · Chester · Luther · Elmer

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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