Home › Baby Names Directory › Leland

Leland

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEE-lund /ˈliː.lənd/High

Meaning: English surname from Old English 'laeg' or 'leah' (meadow, fallow ground) and 'land' (land), meaning 'meadow land' or 'fallow land'; transferred to first-name use as a nature and place surname nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Leland is a handsome Old English surname name meaning 'meadow land.' With a distinguished academic pedigree — Stanford University was founded by Leland Stanford — it carries both nature beauty and intellectual ambition.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighEnglish
MeaningEnglish surname from Old English 'laeg' or 'leah' (meadow, fallow ground) and 'land' (land), meaning 'meadow land' or 'fallow land'; transferred to first-name use as a nature and place surname name
U.S. rank (2025)#494 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births612 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 57,986

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Leland is an English surname from Old English elements meaning 'meadow land' or 'fallow land.' It likely originated as a topographic name for families who lived near a meadow or fallow field. As a given name it entered American use through the surname-as-first-name tradition, particularly gaining recognition through Leland Stanford.

Leland has been used as a given name in the United States since the 19th century, with particular resonance from the Stanford University connection. It has been in steady but moderate use, never flashy but consistently dignified. In recent years it has been reviving as part of the vintage surname-name trend.

Did you know? Leland Stanford (1824–1893) — railroad magnate, Governor of California, and U.S. Senator — founded Stanford University in 1885 in memory of his son Leland Stanford Jr., making Leland one of the few names permanently tied to one of the world's great universities.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Leland — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeylandLealand

Nicknames

LeeLand

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leland Stanford (1824–1893)
    American railroad magnate, Governor of California, and founder of Stanford University (1824–1893)

If you like Leland…

Wyatt— shares the dignified American surname-name tradition with the same historical weight
Garland— shares the -land ending and the same nature-rooted American surname feel
Harland— another -land English surname name with the same vintage American character
Cleveland— shares the historical American surname tradition and the same -land ending

Frequently Asked

What does Leland mean?

Leland means 'meadow land' or 'fallow land,' from Old English place-name elements. It was a topographic surname before becoming a first name.

How do you pronounce Leland?

Leland is pronounced LEE-lund /ˈliː.lənd/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

What is Leland's connection to Stanford?

Leland Stanford (1824–1893) was a railroad magnate and California Governor who founded Stanford University in 1885 in memory of his son Leland Jr.

Is Leland a popular boys' name?

Leland has been in steady moderate use in the U.S. and has been reviving as part of the vintage surname-name trend, valued for its distinguished, understated character.