Leslie \l(e)-slie, les-lie\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Leslie), is pronounced LEZ-lee. It is of Scottish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Leslie is "holly garden". Also possibly "the gray castle". Place name and name of a prominent Scottish clan. Boys' use is probably due to admiration for actors Leslie Howard. Actor Leslie Nielsen.
Leslie has 6 variant forms: Les, Leslea, Leslee, Lesley, Lesly and Lezly.