Origin & Meaning of the Leland Surname
What does the last name Leland mean?
The surname Leland carries the meaning "From a specific area of land." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,848 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leland ranks as the #6,921 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leland come from?
The Leland surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Leland name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leland trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Leland |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a specific area of land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,921 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,848 |
| Per 100K People | 1.64 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leland
According to the US Census, the Leland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,848 Americans with the Leland last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.19% |
| Black | 8.23% |
| Hispanic | 2.0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Leland Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leland surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leland surname increased by 179 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Leland Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Leland ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Leland Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Leland Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Leland
- ✓ The Leland coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Leland families live today
- ✓ Notable Leland bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Leland
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Leland.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Leland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leland
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Leland surname also look for: