Leslie clan derives its name from Leslie in the Garioch, in Aberdeenshire, which their progenitor had clearly acquired by settlement, and Malcolm, son of Bartolf got a feudal charter of his lands about 1214, which acknowledges they were already “his," evidently held allodially. Sir Andrew Leslie of that Ilk was one of the Scottish nobles who signed the letter to the Pope, declaring that while one hundred Scotsmen lived, they would never yield to England.
George, 10th of Leslie, was 1st Earl of Rothes. The 3rd Earl fell at Flodden. John, 7th Earl of Rothes was a zealous adherent of Charles II, and was with him in exile. After the Restoration he was Lord High Chancellor. In 1680 he was created Duke of Rothes.
Sir Alexander Leslie (1st Earl of Leven, 1641) was a renowned Field-Marshal under Gustavus Adolphus. He afterwards led the armies of the Covenant. His title is now united with that of Melville. Sir David Leslie (1st Lord Newark, 1660) was another veteran of Gustavus's wars.
The title has been dormant since 1791. Sir Patrick Leslie of Pitcairlie was made Lord Lindores in 1600. This title has been dormant since 1775. The Earls of Rothes, Chiefs of the clan, still hold Rothes Castle on the Spey. The tartan is illustrated as worn by an officer of the King's Own Scottish Borderers.

Chief: Earl of Rothes.
Clan Seats: Leslie Castle, Aberdeenshire; Rothes Castle, Moray; Ballinbreich Castle, and Leslie-on Leven, Fife.
Plant: Rue.