How common is the Cleaveland surname?

There are approximately 5,000 people with the surname Cleaveland in the United States.

Are there Cleaveland soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 414 soldiers with the Cleaveland surname appear in Civil War records.

Cleaveland

Q: What does the surname Cleaveland mean?

The surname Cleaveland means "A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning 'land that has been cleared' or 'cliff land.'". It is of English origin.

Topographic

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 & Frequency

Estimated 5,000 bearers in the United States #1,656 most common surname

Rare Common

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

Cleaveland Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Cleaveland Surname

L.W. Cleaveland

Judge

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: Medieval England; documented from medieval records
Estimated Bearers: 5,000

War Records

414 soldiers with the Cleaveland surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →