Leland is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English elements 'lean' meaning "bold" or "brave", and 'land' meaning "land". The name was first used as a given name in the Middle Ages, but it was more commonly used as a surname during this time.
The name Leland is thought to have been brought to England by Scandinavian settlers. It is believed that the name was originally a descriptive nickname given to someone who lived on bold or brave lands. The name has also been associated with the Norman-French family name 'Le Landes', which means "of the lands".
Over time, the name Leland has become more popular as a given name. In the United States, for example, it was not commonly used until the late 19th century, but since then its popularity has steadily increased. Today, it is considered to be a strong and distinctive name that carries with it a sense of bravery and adventurous spirit.
Some notable people who have borne the name Leland include the American poet and writer, James Leland (1843-1917), and the Canadian ice hockey player, Alexander "Alex" Laliberté-Leland (born 1986). Despite its historical origins, the name Leland remains a modern choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Leland experienced a significant increase in popularity over time. Starting with only 9 births per year in the late 19th century, it peaked at 1029 births in 2007 and has since seen a decline, with 564 births recorded in 2023. The highest decade of Leland births was the 1910s, with a total of 3,578 births between 1910 and 1919. However, this popularity has since dropped significantly, with less than 1,000 births recorded in most recent years.