Leland

Pronunciation: [ l-EEL-uhnd ]

Boy Name #548 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A rugged English land name with old-money charm

English American Scandinavian

Vintage Earthy Strong Classic Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"meadow land"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"fallow land, uncultivated land"

Origin: Anglo-Saxon

Language: English

The Story of Leland

Leland is an Old English surname-turned-given-name derived from 'leah' (meadow, woodland clearing) and 'land' (land), literally meaning 'meadow land' or 'one who lives near the fallow land.' It originated as a topographic surname in medieval England, describing people who lived near open fields. The antiquarian John Leland (1506–1552), librarian to King Henry VIII, is among the earliest notable bearers.

Leland has experienced a quiet revival in the 2010s–2020s as parents seek distinguished vintage names with a Western feel. Country music and the rise of Americana aesthetics have boosted its appeal alongside names like Wyatt and Grady.

Leland is distinctly Anglo-American, evoking images of frontier landscapes and old-money family surnames. Stanford University's founder Leland Stanford gave the name additional prestige in American culture.

Fun Facts

Leland Stanford founded Stanford University and served as California's governor
The name was a top-200 name in the US in the 1910s–1920s before declining
Leland Gaunt is the mysterious antagonist in Stephen King's novel 'Needful Things'

Leland in Other Languages

French Leland

German Leland

Spanish Leland

Japanese リーランド

Famous People Named Leland

Leland Sklar

Musician

1947

American session bassist who played on thousands of recordings for artists like James Taylor and Phil Collins

Leland Stanford

Business

1824

American industrialist, railroad magnate, and founder of Stanford University

Leland Gaunt Fictional

Other

Mysterious antagonist in Stephen King's 1991 novel 'Needful Things'

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #548
Total SSA Count: 540
Cultural Origins: English American Scandinavian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Lee

Pairs Well With

Leland James Leland Cole Leland Grant Leland Ray Leland Thomas Leland Scott Leland Reed

Sibling Names

Wyatt Barrett Grady Magnolia Hazel Clara Beckett

Also a Girl Name

Leland is also used as a girl name, ranked #6572.

View Leland as a girl name →

Similar Names

Lorena Leo Donald Arnold Roger Orlando Leopold Lionel

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leland

What does the name Leland mean?

"meadow land" (from Old English). "fallow land, uncultivated land" (from Anglo-Saxon). Leland is an Old English surname-turned-given-name derived from 'leah' (meadow, woodland clearing) and 'land' (land), literally meaning 'meadow land' or 'one who lives near the fallow land.' It originated as a topographic surname in medieval England, describing people who lived near open fields. The antiquarian John Leland (1506–1552), librarian to King Henry VIII, is among the earliest notable bearers.

What is the origin of the name Leland?

Leland has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Old English, it means "meadow land". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "fallow land, uncultivated land".

Is Leland a boy or girl name?

Leland is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #548. As a girl name, it is ranked #6572. Leland is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Leland?

Leland is pronounced l-EEL-uhnd.

How popular is the name Leland?

Leland is currently ranked #548 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Leland?

Common nicknames for Leland include Lee.

What are good middle names for Leland?

Popular middle name pairings include Leland James, Leland Cole, Leland Grant, Leland Ray, Leland Thomas, Leland Scott, and Leland Reed.

What are good sibling names for Leland?

Names that pair well with Leland as siblings include Wyatt, Barrett, Grady, Magnolia, Hazel, Clara, and Beckett.

How many syllables does Leland have?

Leland has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Leland a common or rare name?

Leland is moderately common, ranked #548 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Leland

Leland is a boy name with English, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "meadow land" in Old English .

Is Leland a boy or girl name? Leland is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #548 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,572. Leland is more commonly used as a boy name.

Leland is currently ranked #548 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Leland has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EEL-uhnd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Leland include Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.