The title Earl of Leven was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1641 for Alexander Leslie. He was succeeded by his grandson Alexander, who was in turn followed by his daughters Margaret and Catherine (who are usually not included in the numbering of the Earls). Thereafter, there was a dispute relating to succession to the title between David Melville and John Leslie, 1st Duke of Rothes. However, in 1681, Melville's claim was admitted after the Duke of Rothes died. In 1707, Melville succeeded to the title Earl of Melville, and thereafter the earldoms have been united.

The other titles held by the Earl are: Viscount Kirkaldie (created 1690), Lord Melville of Monymaill (1616), Lord Balgonie (1641), Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balewarie (1690). All are in the Peerage of Scotland.

Earls of Leven (1641)

• Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven (c. 1580-1661)
• Alexander Leslie, 2nd Earl of Leven (c. 1637-1664)
• David Melville, 3rd Earl of Leven, 2nd Earl of Melville (1660-1728)
• David Melville, 4th Earl of Leven, 3rd Earl of Melville (1717-1729)
• Alexander Melville, 5th Earl of Leven, 4th Earl of Melville (d. 1754)
• David Melville, 6th Earl of Leven, 5th Earl of Melville (1722-1802)
• Alexander Leslie-Melville, 7th Earl of Leven, 6th Earl of Melville (1749-1820)
• David Leslie-Melville, 8th Earl of Leven, 7th Earl of Melville (1785-1860)
• John Thoronton Leslie-Melville, 9th Earl of Leven, 8th Earl of Melville (1786-1876)
• Alexander Melville, 10th Earl of Leven, 9th Earl of Melville (1817-1889)
• Ronald Ruthven Melville, 11th Earl of Leven, 10th Earl of Melville (1835-1906)
• John David Melville, 12th Earl of Leven (1886-1913)
• Archibald Alexander Melville, 13th Earl of Leven, 12th Earl of Melville (1890-1947)
• Alexander Robert Melville, 14th Earl of Leven, 13th Earl of Melville (b. 1924)