Leland
LEE-luhnd
Leland is an English surname from the Old English lǣ or lea (“meadow,” “fallow land”) and land, giving the topographic meaning “meadow land” or “land left fallow.”
As a place name, Leland appears in several English villages. It entered American use as a given name, likely aided by associations with Leland Stanford (1824-1893), the railroad magnate and California governor who co-founded Stanford University.
Leland peaked at No. 171 in 1921 with 866 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 547 with 540 births, near a modern revival after decades of low use.
What the name Leland means
Country singer Leland Waddell, better known as Leland, and Leland Sklar—the iconic session bass guitarist who played on thousands of recordings—have maintained the name in music circles.
Three syllables—LEE-land—flow easily. The name has a distinctly American frontier-era quality that fits the same register as Stanford, Wesley, and Merritt.
Parents choosing Leland typically want a vintage name with genuine American historical roots that feels discovered rather than obvious, avoiding the more common choices like Liam or Leo.
The name is in its second phase of use—returning after a century of quiet—which places it alongside other early 20th-century names that are now finding new favour.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Leland
Leland - similar names
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