Cleland is an uncommon given name of Scottish origin, derived from a surname that was initially an estate name. The name means 'clear land' or 'clean land,' reflecting its geographical roots. It is predominantly used as a masculine name but can also be found as a feminine name in some cases.
The name Cleland had a popular start with 7 births in 1914, peaking at 17 births in 1918 during World War I. After the war, births fluctuated but remained relatively high until the late 1930s. There was another peak around 1952-1956, with 6 to 7 births each year. Overall, there were 246 babies named Cleland born between 1914 and 1956.