What does Leland mean and where does it come from?
Though predominantly a male name, Leland has been used for females as well. The name originated from Old English, where it refers to a person who lives by or in a meadow. It has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years. One notable figure is Leland Stanford, founder of Stanford University. In
Cultural significance
Leland has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #968 in 1884 — currently #520 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leland?
Leland works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leland Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leland Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leland Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leland Claire
French influence · crisp
Leland Jane
Literary · strong
Leland Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leland right now?
Declining — down 20 spots — currently #520 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #520 | 567 | ▼ down 20 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #500 | 609 | ▼ down 67 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #433 | 720 | ▲ up 6433 · +4400% births |
| 2020 | #6866 | 16 | ▲ up 2620 · +45% births |
| 2015 | #9486 | 11 | ▲ up 3973 · +57% births |
| 2010 | #13459 | 7 | ▼ down 2523 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #10936 | 9 | ▲ up 4121 · +80% births |
| 2000 | #15057 | 5 | ▼ down 3249 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #11808 | 6 | ▲ up 1192 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #13000 | 5 | ▼ down 3884 |
| 1975 | #9116 | 5 | ▼ down 2687 |
| 1960 | #6429 | 5 | ▼ down 560 |
| 1955 | #5869 | 5 | ▼ down 2095 · -17% births |
| 1935 | #3774 | 6 | ▼ down 906 · -40% births |
| 1930 | #2868 | 10 | — |
The story of Leland
Leland has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. A total of 55,358 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1731 in 1905 to #520 in 2023. Leland is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leland in 1884:
Leland by decade
Leland peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 208 | |
| 1890s | 544 | |
| 1900s | 776 | |
| 1910s | 4,430 | |
| 1920s | 8,086 | |
| 1930s | 6,317 | |
| 1940s | 6,279 | |
| 1950s | 5,266 | |
| 1960s | 3,551 | |
| 1970s | 2,295 | |
| 1980s | 2,115 | |
| 1990s | 1,905 | |
| 2000s | 4,616 | |
| 2010s ★ | 8,329 | |
| 2020s | 641 | |
What are good nicknames for Leland?
What names sound and feel like Leland?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leland also consider these
Common questions about the name Leland
What does the name Leland mean?
Leland means "English" — 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 Leland?
Leland is currently ranked #520 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Leland?
Leland 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 Leland?
Leland is a two-syllable name pronounced L IY1 L AH0 N D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leland more of a girl or boy name?
Leland is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.