Holding steady.
Popularity of Cleland since 1914
Babies named Cleland per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 72 |
| 1920s | 90 |
| 1930s | 34 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 19 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cleland is a rare Scottish surname name that saw modest use as a first name in the early 20th century. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1914, and its peak year was 1918. The name has never ranked in the top 1000, and its usage has remained stable at very low numbers, with birth counts still in the single digits in recent years. Despite its obscurity, Cleland carries a strong Scottish heritage and a crisp, distinctive sound. It is not associated with any particular region or state, as the sparse usage is spread across the country. Parents drawn to Scottish surnames with a two-syllable rhythm might find Cleland an understated alternative to more common choices like Cameron or Duncan.
Cleland is a Scottish surname turned given name, likely derived from the lands of Cleland in Lanarkshire. The place name may come from Gaelic elements meaning 'land of the church' or 'clay land.' It has been used sparingly as a first name since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clee
Sibling names for Cleland
Names that share Cleland's style, for a brother or sister.
