The family takes its name from the lands of Leslie in Aberdeenshire, and the name became famous not only in Scotland, but in Germany, France, Russia and Poland.

In the twelfth century Bartholomew, a Flemish noble obtained the Barony of Lesly, and from him are decended the Earls of Rothes. Sir Andrew de Lesly was one of the signatories of the letter to the Pope in 1320 asserting the independence of Scotland. Walter, his son, married the daughter of the Earl of Ross, and his death without issue led to the famous Battle of Harlaw in 1411.

The title of Earl of Rothes was conferred on George de Lesly of Rothes. His grandson, George, 2nd Earl, was killed at Flodden. The Leslies were concerned in the murder of Cardinal Beaton, and George, 3rd Earl, was tried for his part in it, but acquitted. Andrew, 4th Earl, succeeded his father in 1588. He was intimately concerned in the affairs of Mary Queen Of Scots. John, 5th Earl, was one of the most powerful leaders of the covenanters. John, 6th Earl, was created Duke of Rothesin 1680. General Alexander Leslie, of the Balgonie family, served under Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, with great distinction and rose to be Field-Marshal. Invited back to Scotland to command the Covenanters, he captured Edinburgh Castle with 1000 men.

In 1640 he entered England with the Scots army, routed the King’s troops at Newburn, and after the Treaty of Ripon, he was created Earl of Leven by Charles I. To conciliate the Scots. David, 3rd Earl of Leven, and 2nd of Melville, distinguised himself at the Battle of Killiecrankie. Many other prominent families descended from the original stock and eminent soldiers of the name of Leslie were found all over the continent of Europe.

Crests: A demi-griffen, proper. A demi chevalier in complete armour, holding in his right hand a dagger, point downwards, proper, pommel and hilt