Harlan

Harlan is a boy's name of English origin. Its meaning is not recorded in the standard references we check — we would rather tell you that plainly than guess. In 2024 it was given to 411 boys in the United States.

Harlan at a glance

Gender
Boy name
Origin
English & American
Meaning
Not recorded in standard references

About the name Harlan

Harlan belongs to the English & American tradition. Its roots are documented, even though its precise meaning is not recorded in the standard references — an honest gap we prefer to a confident guess.

In the United States, Harlan first appears in Social Security records in 1880. It climbed to its best-ever rank of #253 in 1924, and in 2024 411 babies received the name — 26,026 in total since 1880. Those are the official counts, not estimates.

Harlan in US records

First recorded (US)
1880
Best US rank
#253 in 1924
Peak year
1924
Babies named Harlan in 2024
411
Total since 1880
26,026

Harlan in England & Wales records

First recorded (since 1996)
1996
Best rank
#474 in 2025
Babies named Harlan in 2025
82
Total since 1996
915

Similar names

More names from the English & American shelf:

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Harlan mean?

The meaning of Harlan is not recorded in the standard references we check. Rather than repeat an unsourced claim, we leave it open — its English origin is documented, but its exact meaning is not.

Is Harlan a boy or girl name?

Harlan is a boy name. In 2024, 411 babies received the name in the US.

What origin is the name Harlan?

Harlan comes from the English & American tradition.

How popular is the name Harlan?

Harlan first appears in US records in 1880. Its best-ever ranking was #253 in 1924, and 411 babies were given the name in 2024.

This profile is built from the US Social Security Administration's public baby-names data — see the source. Its meaning is not recorded in the standard references we check. If you spot an error, write to [email protected].