Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Leland
BoyEnglish, Old English· “fallow land”
- Meaning
- fallow land
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- LEE-luhnd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #494
- US babies 2025
- 612
- Best rank
- #171 (1921)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Leland
Leland is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “fallow land”.
Leland began as an English surname for someone who lived near a patch of fallow or untilled land, from Old English words for fallow and land. Like many English surnames it later moved into use as a first name, especially in the United States. Leland Stanford, the railroad magnate and governor of California, founded Stanford University in memory of his son, and the name has kept a slightly old-fashioned, gentlemanly air. Today it fits into the revival of vintage boys' names, with Lee as a simple short form.
Popularity over time
Leland has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 140 different years. Its best national rank was #171 in 1921, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 1,029 were named Leland. In 2025, 612 babies were named Leland, and it ranked #494 nationally. That is 29% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #177 in 1920, #281 in 1950, #601 in 1980, #1,057 in 2000, #325 in 2010, and #494 in 2025. Of the 57,999 US boys named Leland since records began, 14% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 8,022 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Talan, Saul, Brayan, Pablo, and Rodrigo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leland ranked highest in Alaska, Michigan, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #128 | 7 |
| Michigan | #201 | 50 |
| West Virginia | #243 | 8 |
| Indiana | #288 | 28 |
| Minnesota | #297 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Leland over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Leland is usually pronounced LEE-luhnd, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-nd”.
Middle names for Leland
A few middle names that flow with Leland: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leland
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Lists that include Leland
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leland mean?
Leland is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “fallow land”.
What is the origin of the name Leland?
Leland has English and Old English roots. Leland began as an English surname for someone who lived near a patch of fallow or untilled land, from Old English words for fallow and land.
Is Leland a popular name?
Yes. Leland ranked #494 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leland a boy or girl name?
Leland is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Leland over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Leland?
Leland is usually pronounced LEE-luhnd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings