Harlan
Harlan is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Hare land or rocky land.
Origin and history
Harlan originates as an Old English habitational surname referring to a rocky or hare-inhabited land. It has maintained steady, moderate usage as a given name in the United States over the past century. Recently, it has experienced a mild resurgence among parents seeking classic, understated vintage names.
Popularity in the United States
26,481 babies in the United States have been named Harlan since 1880. It ranks #721 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #648.
States where it is most popular
- MN (8.6 %)
- IA (8.2 %)
- CA (7.4 %)
- IL (6.4 %)
- TX (5.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 106 |
| 1890-1900 | 137 |
| 1900-1910 | 258 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,012 |
| 1920-1930 | 4,177 |
| 1930-1940 | 3,891 |
| 1940-1950 | 3,269 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,720 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,824 |
| 1970-1980 | 965 |
| 1980-1990 | 733 |
| 1990-2000 | 683 |
| 2000-2010 | 850 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,414 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,442 |
Famous people named Harlan
- Harlan Ellison: Author, Screenwriter
- Harlan Coben: Author
- Harlan F. Stone: Chief Justice, Jurist
Nicknames
Harley, Harly
Fun facts
- Harlan originated from Old English words meaning 'hare land' or 'grey land' before becoming a surname and given name.
- The name is widely recognized in pop culture through award-winning science fiction author Harlan Ellison.