Cleaveland

Meaning

A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning 'land that has been cleared' or 'cliff land.'

Etymology

Cleaveland combines Old English 'cleofan' (to cleave or split) or 'clif' (cliff) with 'land' (land or territory), indicating a geographical location characterized by cleared land or cliff formations. The surname originates from English place names, notably in Yorkshire.

About the Cleaveland Surname

Cleaveland is an English habitational surname derived from place names indicating cleared or cliff land, with the spelling variant Cleveland being more common in modern usage. The surname is historically significant through U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

Distribution

Found in England and North America, with origins in Yorkshire and other English regions.

Notable Bearers

Grover Cleveland (U.S. President, 1837-1908), Stephen Grover Cleveland

People with the Cleaveland Surname