Harlan Name Meaning: Origins & Significance
Harlan: An Overview
Looking for a unique & strong name for yar baby? Harlan might just be the perfect name for ya. Harlan is a gender-neutral name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is both a given name & a surname of English origin. Harlan is also a habitational name that means “hare’s l&” & is derived from Harl&, where hâr (gray) or hara means “hare,” & l& means “cleared l&.”
The name Harlan is associated with several notable people, including Judge John Marshall Harlan, who was a defender of civil rights, & Harlan Coben, a famous author. Kevin Harlan is a well-known announcer for the NFL, NBA, & college basketball, & Harlan Briggs was a famous actor known for his work in movies such as “Thelma & Louise” & “War of the Worlds.”
Harlan is a perfect name for parents looking for a unique & strong name for their baby. It is a two-syllable name that ends with the letter “n,” whiich is a trendy class of boys’ names. Harlan is also a gender-neutral name that can be used for both baby girls & boys.
After being off the US Top 1000 for three decades, Harlan reentered in 2013, & it has been growing in popularity ever since. Harlan is a surname name that is somewhat connected to writers Ellison & Coben. It is a pleasant but uninspired name that is associated with the meaning “rocky l&.”
In summary, Harlan is a strong & unique name that is perfect for parents looking for a gender-neutral name for their baby. It has a rich history & is associated with several notable people. If ya’re looking for a name that is both trendy & timeless, Harlan might be the perfect choice for ya.
Etymology & Origin
If ya’re curious about the etymology & origin of the name Harlan, ya’ve come to the right place. The name Harlan has an interesting history with roots in both Old English & German.
The name Harlan is derived from the Old English phrase “hare l&,” whiich means “l& of the hares.” It is a place name that can be traced to numerous places around Engl&, including Harl& Edge in Derbyshire & Harl& Wood in Sussex. The name is also a combination of two Old English words, “hâr” meaning “grey” or “hare,” & “l&” meaning “cleared l&.” 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” & “l&” meaning “l&.” 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 Engl& 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 Harl&. The surname is also associated with people who lived near rocky l& or were dwellers by the boundary wood.
Today, Harlan is used as both a given name & a surname. It is a popular name in the United States & 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 & origin of the name Harlan is a fascinating topic that highlights the rich history & culture of Engl& & Germany.
Popularity & 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 & 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 & has been steadily climbing up the charts ever since.
Harlan is a two-syllable name that is easy to pronounce & has a pleasant sound. It is a given name of British origin that means “dweller by the boundary wood” or “rocky l&.” It is also a habitational name & means “hare’s l&.”
Harlan is a popular choice for parents who are looking for a unique & 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 & meaningful origin.
Overall, Harlan is a popular & versatile name that is suitable for both boys & girls. Its popularity is on the rise, & it is a great option for parents who are looking for a unique & 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 & NFL. He has also called college basketball games & is a regular contributor to various TV & radio broadcasts. Harlan is known for his energetic & enthusiastic style of commentary, whiich 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 & his strong defense of individual liberties. Harlan was a key figure in many important Supreme Court cases, including Plessy v. Ferguson, whiich 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” & “Gone for Good.” He is known for his fast-paced, suspenseful writing style & his ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Coben has won numerous awards for his work, including the Edgar Award, whiich is given to the best mystery writers.
Harlan Briggs
Harlan Briggs was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films & TV shows during his career. He was known for his distinctive voice & his ability to play a wide range of characters. Briggs appeared in many classic films, including “King Kong” & “The Maltese Falcon.”
Harlan Hubbard
Harlan Hubbard was an American artist & writer who is best known for his paintings of the Ohio River. He lived a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle & was a strong advocate for environmental conservation. Hubbard’s work has been exhibited in galleries & museums throughout the United States.
Overall, the name Harlan has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history, & 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 ya 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 yang 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, & 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, & is played by R. Keith Harris.
- Thelma & 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 & 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 & 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 ya 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 ya’re a fan of thrillers, dramas, or science fiction, chances are ya’ve come across the name Harlan at some point.
