Harlan Name Meaning: Origins and Significance
Harlan: An Overview
Looking for a unique and strong name for your baby? Harlan might just be the perfect name for you. Harlan is a gender-neutral name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is both a given name and a surname of English origin. Harlan is also a habitational name that means “hare’s land” and is derived from Harland, where hâr (gray) or hara means “hare,” and land means “cleared land.”
The name Harlan is associated with several notable people, including Judge John Marshall Harlan, who was a defender of civil rights, and Harlan Coben, a famous author. Kevin Harlan is a well-known announcer for the NFL, NBA, and college basketball, and Harlan Briggs was a famous actor known for his work in movies such as “Thelma and Louise” and “War of the Worlds.”
Harlan is a perfect name for parents looking for a unique and strong name for their baby. It is a two-syllable name that ends with the letter “n,” which is a trendy class of boys’ names. Harlan is also a gender-neutral name that can be used for both baby girls and boys.
After being off the US Top 1000 for three decades, Harlan reentered in 2013, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. Harlan is a surname name that is somewhat connected to writers Ellison and Coben. It is a pleasant but uninspired name that is associated with the meaning “rocky land.”
In summary, Harlan is a strong and unique name that is perfect for parents looking for a gender-neutral name for their baby. It has a rich history and is associated with several notable people. If you’re looking for a name that is both trendy and timeless, Harlan might be the perfect choice for you.
Etymology and Origin
If you’re curious about the etymology and origin of the name Harlan, you’ve come to the right place. The name Harlan has an interesting history with roots in both Old English and German.
The name Harlan is derived from the Old English phrase “hare land,” which means “land of the hares.” It is a place name that can be traced to numerous places around England, including Harland Edge in Derbyshire and Harland Wood in Sussex. The name is also a combination of two Old English words, “hâr” meaning “grey” or “hare,” and “land” meaning “cleared land.” The name was likely given to people who lived in or near these places.
Another theory is that the name Harlan is of German origin, derived from the words “herela” meaning “army” and “land” meaning “land.” This gives the name the meaning of “having an army” or “ruler of an army.” This theory suggests that the name may have been brought to England by Germanic tribes during the Anglo-Saxon period.
Harlan is also an English surname that has been in use since the 13th century. It was a habitational name for people who lived in or near a place called Harland. The surname is also associated with people who lived near rocky land or were dwellers by the boundary wood.
Today, Harlan is used as both a given name and a surname. It is a popular name in the United States and has been used as a first name since the 19th century. It is often given in honor of Supreme Court justice John Marshall Harlan, who was known for his defense of civil rights.
Overall, the etymology and origin of the name Harlan is a fascinating topic that highlights the rich history and culture of England and Germany.
Popularity and Usage
Harlan is a gender-neutral name that has grown in popularity over the years. Originally a boy’s name, it has become a unique given name for baby girls and boys. In 2023, Harlan is ranked #872 in popularity, up 200 spots from the previous year, according to BabyCenter user data.
Harlan’s popularity has been on the rise for the past decade. After being absent from the US Top 1000 for three decades, it reentered in 2013 and has been steadily climbing up the charts ever since.
Harlan is a two-syllable name that is easy to pronounce and has a pleasant sound. It is a given name of British origin that means “dweller by the boundary wood” or “rocky land.” It is also a habitational name and means “hare’s land.”
Harlan is a popular choice for parents who are looking for a unique and gender-neutral name for their baby. It is a great option for parents who want a name that is not too common but still has a strong and meaningful origin.
Overall, Harlan is a popular and versatile name that is suitable for both boys and girls. Its popularity is on the rise, and it is a great option for parents who are looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby.
Famous Bearers
Harlan is a surname that has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history. In this section, we will highlight a few of the most famous bearers of the name.
Kevin Harlan
Kevin Harlan is a well-known American sports announcer who has worked for both the NBA and NFL. He has also called college basketball games and is a regular contributor to various TV and radio broadcasts. Harlan is known for his energetic and enthusiastic style of commentary, which has earned him a large following among sports fans.
John Marshall Harlan
John Marshall Harlan was a Supreme Court Justice who served on the court from 1877 to 1911. He was known for his conservative views and his strong defense of individual liberties. Harlan was a key figure in many important Supreme Court cases, including Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation.
Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is a popular American author who has written numerous best-selling novels, including “Tell No One” and “Gone for Good.” He is known for his fast-paced, suspenseful writing style and his ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Coben has won numerous awards for his work, including the Edgar Award, which is given to the best mystery writers.
Harlan Briggs
Harlan Briggs was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his career. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to play a wide range of characters. Briggs appeared in many classic films, including “King Kong” and “The Maltese Falcon.”
Harlan Hubbard
Harlan Hubbard was an American artist and writer who is best known for his paintings of the Ohio River. He lived a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle and was a strong advocate for environmental conservation. Hubbard’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States.
Overall, the name Harlan has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history, and these five individuals are just a few examples of the diverse range of people who have borne the name.
In Popular Culture
Harlan is a name that has made appearances in various forms of popular culture. Here are some examples of where you may have heard the name Harlan before:
- Down in the Valley: Harlan is the name of the character played by Edward Norton in this 2005 film. The movie tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with Harlan, a mysterious man she meets at a gas station.
- Safe House: In this 2012 thriller, Harlan Jessup is a CIA agent played by Sam Shepard. He is the former mentor of the protagonist, played by Ryan Reynolds.
- F.E.A.R.: Harlan Wade is a character in the popular video game series F.E.A.R. He is a scientist who plays a key role in the game’s storyline.
- American Gothic: Harlan “Bud” Buckner is a character in this TV series. He is a member of a prominent family in a small town, and is played by Gary Cole.
- The Walking Dead: Harlan Carson is a character in this popular TV series. He is a doctor who lives in the Hilltop Colony, and is played by R. Keith Harris.
- Thelma and Louise: Harlan is the name of the character played by Scott Michael Campbell in this 1991 film. He is a man who tries to rape the protagonists, Thelma and Louise.
- War of the Worlds: Harlan Ogilvy is a character in this 2005 film. He is a survivalist who tries to take advantage of the alien invasion to gain power and control.
- Nola: Harlan is the name of the character played by Ben Mendelsohn in this 2003 film. He is a man who becomes obsessed with the titular character, played by Emmy Rossum.
As you can see, the name Harlan has made appearances in a variety of different types of media, from movies to TV shows to video games. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, dramas, or science fiction, chances are you’ve come across the name Harlan at some point.
