Les: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are traditional cultural celebrations often tied to the feast days of saints or historical religious observances in various global regions. The name Les, primarily a sturdy American short form from the mid-20th century, generally carries an approachable and vintage mood. Drawing its origin primarily from English and Scottish roots via formal names like Lester and Leslie, Les is recognized for its straightforward simplicity. Reflecting its widespread usage, Les is noted to have observed name days on March 10 in the USA and August 30 in Ukraine. This short, classic name bridges historical derivation with familiar casual usage.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Les's name day is celebrated on March 10 in the USA and August 30 in Ukraine.

The Story Behind This Name

The name Les is commonly recognized in the USA primarily as a familiar diminutive, often derived from longer names like Lester or Leslie. Its peak usage, both independently and as a short form, largely occurred during the mid-20th century, cementing its place as a classic American moniker. While it is rarely given as a formal first name today, it retains a classic, vintage feel within American culture. Historically, it functioned as an informal, friendly moniker used widely among peers and close family members. Its simplicity and straightforward nature make it easily recognizable across generations in the United States.

Name origin and meaning

The name Les most often functions as a short form of names like Lester or Leslie, drawing from different linguistic origins and resulting in varied possible meanings. Lester is typically rooted in an English place name, referring to inhabitants of a specific locality, often implying a historical geographical connection. Conversely, Leslie is historically derived from a Scottish Gaelic element meaning "garden of hollies" or "holly patch." In some cases, Les might also be a shortened version of Leland, an Old English name meaning "fallow land." Therefore, the name itself carries multiple potential historical lineages depending on its formal counterpart.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Globally, the name Les typically leans strongly masculine, predominantly serving as a shortened version of the male name Lester. However, its gender identity can be complicated because it is also frequently used as a nickname for Leslie, a name that has become firmly unisex, particularly in the United States and the UK. Historically, Leslie began as a masculine Scottish surname, but its modern shift toward a female or neutral name influences the perception of its diminutive, Les. Therefore, while fundamentally male, Les sometimes inherits a faint unisex association through its dual connection. For practical purposes, outside of formal records, Les remains largely identified with the male gender.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Les carries a notably straightforward and unpretentious mood, suggesting a dependable and casual personality. It evokes a vintage, mid-century vibe, often associated with a friendly, approachable character, making it seem wholesome. Its brevity lends it a strong, efficient, and somewhat rugged tone that resists overly elegant or soft interpretations. This name feels classic yet decidedly down-to-earth, projecting an image of simplicity and reliability. Overall, Les maintains a friendly, retro feeling rather than a modern or futuristic aesthetic.

Mirror Magic: Les & Sel

Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.

See also: Sel: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Les

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 9 – The Humanitarian.
Keywords: Compassion, wisdom, completion, universal love, idealism.
Positive Traits: Generous, wise, tolerant, artistic, spiritual, philanthropic.
Challenges: Can be overly emotional, unrealistic, or struggle with letting go.
Life Path Meaning: A journey of serving others, global consciousness, and spiritual enlightenment.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 11 - The Visionary.
Highly spiritual, intuitive, inspiring, and a natural guide for others.
Can struggle with anxiety, sensitivity, or self-doubt.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Mars - Passion, Energy, Courage.
Mars represents action, drive, and ambition. Names under Mars' influence are often associated with bold, fearless, and highly determined individuals. These names carry an energetic and assertive quality, reflecting a person who is competitive, strong-willed, and unafraid to take risks. People with Mars-ruled names tend to have a pioneering spirit and a deep reservoir of inner strength.

Name days: Name Les

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
USA	March	10	Les, Lesley, Leslie, Lesly, Lester
Ukraine	August	30	Alexander, Alexandria, Les, Lesia, Oles, Olesia, Sandra

Name days: Similar names (Les)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Lithuania	January	5	Gaudentas, Telesforas, Vytautas, Vytaute
Poland	January	5	Edward, Emilian, Emiliusz, Hanna, Symeon, Szymon, Telesfor, Włościbor
Spain	January	7	Amadeo, Aquiles, Luciano, Raimundo
Spain	January	24	Feliciano, Francisco de Sales, Paz, Tirso
Italy	January	25	Francesco di Sales
Poland	March	1	Albin, Antoni, Antonina, Budzisz, Budzisław, Eudokia, Eudoksja, Ewdokia, Feliks, Herakles, Herkules, Jewdocha, Joanna, Józef, Nikifor, Piotr
France	March	2	Charles
Slovakia	March	16	Boleslav
Italy	March	21	Alessandra
Latvia	March	21	Benedikts, Boleslavs, Dzelme, Glezna, Una
Lithuania	April	6	Celestinas, Daugirutis, Genardas, Zintaute
Poland	April	6	Ada, Adam, Adamina, Celestyn, Celestyna, Diogenes, Ireneusz, Katarzyna, Sykstus, Wilhelm, Zachariasz, Świętobor
USA	April	6	Celesta, Celeste, Celestina, Celestine, Tyra
Greece	April	10	Dionisis, Eteoklis, Hercules, Homer, Pericles, Sofocles, Timothy
France	April	12	Jules
Czechia	April	13	Aleš
Slovakia	April	13	Aleš
Spain	April	22	Alexander, Apeles, Teodoro
Greece	April	24	Achilles, Anastasios, Doukas, Elizabeth, Lisa, Orthodox Easter
Norway	April	27	Charles, Charlotte, Lotte
USA	April	30	Miles, Milo, Myles, Ryder
Slovakia	May	5	Lesana
Estonia	May	7	Helma, Helme, Helmeles, Helmi
USA	May	12	Achilla, Achilles, Grady, Grant, Kelby, Kellen
Croatia	May	19	Celestin V. p., Inka, Rajko, Teofil
France	May	19	Célestin, Erwan, Yves
Italy	May	19	Celestino V
Lithuania	May	19	Celestinas, Gilvinas, Taura
Poland	May	19	Augustyn, Celestyn, Iwo, Mikołaj, Piotr, Potencjana, Pękosław
Spain	May	19	Celestina, Celestino, Crispín
Ukraine	May	25	Celeste, Celestine
Poland	June	3	Cecyliusz, Ferdynand, Klotylda, Konstantyn, Laurencjusz, Laurentyn, Laurentyna, Leszek, Paula, Tamara, Wawrzyniec
Latvia	June	9	Gita, Liega, Ligita, Naula, Valeska
Italy	June	27	Cirillo di Alessandria
Italy	July	17	Alessio
Hungary	July	20	Illés
USA	July	20	Edna, Edwin, Edwina, Elias, Elijah, Ellice, Elliot, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Neal, Neala, Neil, Neila, Nelson, Niall, Nigel, Niles
Poland	July	22	Albin, Bolesława, Bolisława, Laurencjusz, Maria Magdalena, Milenia, Pankracy, Wawrzyniec, Więcemiła
Italy	July	27	Celestino I
Greece	August	1	Elesa
Spain	August	2	Angeles, Eusebio
Lithuania	August	19	Argaudas, Balys, Boleslovas, Tolvina
Poland	August	19	Bolesław, Emilia, Jan, Julian, Juliusz, Ludwik, Piotr, Sebald
Latvia	August	24	Bertolds, Bertrams, Berts, Bertulis, Boleslavs
Italy	August	26	Alessandro
France	September	1	Gilles, Jossué
USA	September	1	Debbie, Deborah, Debra, Edgar, Edgardo, Giles, Josh, Joshua, Josue, Ruth
Poland	September	5	Dorota, Herakles, Herkulan, Herkules, Justyna, Laurencjusz, Stronisława, Wawrzyniec
Czechia	September	6	Boleslav
Spain	October	2	Angeles Custodios
France	October	14	Céleste, Gwendoline, Juste
Hungary	November	2	Achilles
France	November	4	Aymeric, Charles, Jessé
USA	November	4	Amory, Cara, Carl, Carla, Carley, Carlo, Carlos, Carly, Carol, Carolina, Caroline, Carolyn, Carrie, Carroll, Charles, Charlie, Chaz, Chuck, Emery, Karl, Karla, Karlee, Karli, Karly
Poland	November	7	Achilles, Antoni, Engelbert, Florentyn, Melchior, Przemił
Italy	November	25	Caterina d'Alessandria
Poland	November	28	Gościrad, Grzegorz, Jakub, Lesław, Lesława, Rufin, Zdzisław
Austria	December	1	Blanka, Charles, Eligius, Natalie

Les A Concise Classic Name

In conclusion, Les functions predominantly as a masculine short form, carrying the heritage of names like Lester and Leslie, tracing back to English and Gaelic place names. The name exudes a dependable and retro mood, reflecting its peak familiarity in mid-20th-century America and projecting an image of reliability. While its connection to Leslie sometimes provides a slight unisex shadow, it remains overwhelmingly male in association worldwide. This short and familiar name is celebrated on distinct name days, specifically March 10 in the USA and August 30 in Ukraine, demonstrating its cultural reach. Les stands as a concise, friendly, and historically grounded choice.

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