Cleveland Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cleveland come from? What does the surname Cleveland mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cleveland and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cleveland Origin: What does the last name Cleveland mean?
The surname Cleveland has its origins in England, specifically emerging in records around the early 16th century. It is believed to have derived from a place name, possibly referring to a location in Yorkshire, England. Over time, the Cleveland surname became increasingly prevalent in the United States during the 17th century, with records also indicating its presence in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, suggesting a global spread.
According to YourRoots data, the Cleveland surname has shown a significant growth in the United States since the 17th century, surpassing its birthplace, the United Kingdom. Today, the Cleveland surname is widely distributed across various countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Sweden, highlighting its widespread presence and diverse origins.
Cleveland Last Name History: Where did the last name Cleveland come from?
Origin of Cleveland Surname: Where does the last name Cleveland originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cleveland first emerged in records from England, specifically the United Kingdom, around the early 16th century. It's important to note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Cleveland” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cleveland: What does the Cleveland surname history look like in the early days?
The “Cleveland” surname remained closely tied to England during the 16th century, but records soon began to increase significantly in the United States during the 17th century. YourRoots data also shows Cleveland family records in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa over the centuries, hinting at a global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cleveland surname today?
From the 17th century onward, the frequency of records with the Cleveland surname grew noticeably in the United States, quickly surpassing its birthplace, the United Kingdom. This trend persisted into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Cleveland” surname is widespread in the United States and other regions across the globe. It can be found in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Sweden.
Explore Cleveland last name heritage and Cleveland surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cleveland Surame?
Grover Cleveland
Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837 – June 24, 1908) was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. He was known for being the first Democrat elected after the Civil War and the only president to serve nonconsecutive terms. Cleveland was a pro-business leader who fought against corruption and patronage. While his handling of economic crises and policies like the Dawes Act have been criticized, he remains an important figure in American political history.
James Cleveland
James Edward Cleveland (Dec 5, 1931 – Feb 9, 1991) was an American gospel singer, composer, and musician known as the "King of Gospel." He revolutionized the modern gospel sound by blending black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in his arrangements for mass choirs. Cleveland earned four Grammy Awards and was the first gospel musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His best-known recordings include "Peace Be Still" and "God Has Smiled on Me." Cleveland's distinctive gravelly voice and musical talents made him one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.
Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland
Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland (Barbara Villiers) (Nov 27, 1640 – Oct 9, 1709) was an English royal mistress of King Charles II of England. Known for her beauty, she had five children with the King, all acknowledged and ennobled. Barbara's influence over Charles II led her to be called "The Uncrowned Queen." Despite her controversial relationships and separation from her husband, she played a significant role in court politics during her time. Barbara's legacy as a royal mistress and mother to the King's children has left a lasting impact on English history.
Carol Cleveland
Carol Gillian Frances Cleveland (born January 13, 1942) is an American-English actor, comedian, dancer, and model best known for her work with the iconic comedy group Monty Python. She appeared in 30 episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus and all four Monty Python movies. Cleveland has also been involved in various post-Python projects and appeared in TV shows like The Persuaders! and Only Fools and Horses. With a career spanning decades, she continues to be a beloved figure in the world of comedy and entertainment.
Ruth Cleveland
Ruth Eva Cleveland (October 3, 1891 – January 7, 1904), better known as Baby Ruth or Babe Ruth, was the daughter of U.S. President Grover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland. She became famous as the namesake of the Baby Ruth candy bar. Despite her short life, Ruth captured the public's attention and was even involved in campaign competitions during her father's presidency. The candy bar's naming controversy with baseball legend Babe Ruth added to her legacy, with the Curtiss Candy Company claiming it was named after her. Ruth's story remains an intriguing part of American history and candy culture.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.