What does Gleason mean and where does it come from?
Gleason is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic surname 'Mac Laisne', meaning 'son of the gray-haired one'. The name has been used as both a surname and a first name, especially in the United States. It has roots in the Catholic tradition, linking it to ecclesiastical service. Notable people wi
Cultural significance
Gleason has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of servant of the church.
Peak popularity
Reached #1683 in 1914 — currently #873 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gleason?
Gleason works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gleason Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gleason Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gleason Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gleason Claire
French influence · crisp
Gleason Jane
Literary · strong
Gleason Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gleason right now?
Holding steady — currently #873 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #873 | 1,327 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #878 | 1,307 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #883 | 1,277 | ▲ up 2473 · +18143% births |
| 1965 | #3356 | 7 | ▲ up 875 · +40% births |
| 1960 | #4231 | 5 | ▼ down 1723 · -44% births |
| 1945 | #2508 | 9 | ▲ up 98 |
| 1940 | #2606 | 9 | ▼ down 252 · -18% births |
| 1935 | #2354 | 11 | ▲ up 1426 · +83% births |
| 1930 | #3780 | 6 | ▼ down 1089 · -45% births |
| 1925 | #2691 | 11 | ▼ down 262 · -15% births |
| 1920 | #2429 | 13 | ▲ up 540 · +63% births |
| 1915 | #2969 | 8 | — |
The story of Gleason
Gleason entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 383 total births recorded, Gleason remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2969 in 1915 to #873 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gleason in 1914:
Gleason by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 83 | |
| 1920s ★ | 104 | |
| 1930s | 86 | |
| 1940s | 60 | |
| 1950s | 25 | |
| 1960s | 25 | |
💎Gleason has only 383 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gleason?
Common
GleGleasGleasieGleasyAson
What names sound and feel like Gleason?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gleason also consider these
Common questions about the name Gleason
What does the name Gleason mean?
Gleason means "Servant of the church" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gleason?
Gleason is currently ranked #873 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gleason?
Gleason originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gleason?
Gleason is a two-syllable name pronounced G L IY1 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gleason a common or rare name?
Gleason is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.