Landon is a given name of English origin, derived from a surname that originally referred to a place name meaning "long hill" (effectively "ridge"). As a surname, it is a variant of Langdon, which itself comes from Old English lang (long) + dūn (hill). The name thus carries a toponymic quality, describing someone who lived near or on a long hill.Although used occasionally as a first name earlier, Landon gained significant popularity in the United States starting in the 1990s. Its rise may have been influenced by the actor Michael Landon (1936–1991), star of television series such as Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie. By 2010, Landon had become the 32nd most popular name for American boys, according to Social Security Administration data. Its popularity, however, peaked around the 2010s and has since moderated.Notable bearers of the given name include athletes such as Landon Collins (born 1994), a professional American football safety, and Landon Donovan (born 1982), a retired American soccer player and all-time leading scorer for the US Men's National Team. Other figures include Landon Cassill (born 1989), a NASCAR driver, and Landon Lugar (born 2004), a French basketball player. In entertainment, Landon Cider is a prominent American drag king. Historical figures with the surname include Landon Carter (1710–1778), a Virginia planter and politician, and Landon T. Clay (1926–2017), a businessman and philanthropist.Variants of the name include Landen and Landyn, and the diminutive Lanny. As a surname, Landon is still common, but the name has almost exclusively transitioned to a given name in modern usage, with a decidedly masculine association. Outside English-speaking countries, Landon remains rare, though it occasionally appears in Canada, Australia, and other Anglophone nations.Culturally SignificanceWhile not rooted in ancient or religious tradition, Landon exemplifies the American trend of converting surnames into first names, a practice that gained momentum in the later 20th century. Its earthy, nature-inspired meaning and pleasant sound contribute to its appeal among parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and fresh.Meaning: Long hill, ridgeOrigin: EnglishType: Given name (from surname)Popular region: United States, Canada