Harlon is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'here' meaning army or warrior, and 'land' signifying land or territory. Therefore, Harlon can be interpreted as "army land" or "warrior territory." This name has a strong and powerful connotation, reflecting its military origins.
The name Harlon first appeared in early medieval England, where it was used as a personal name among the Anglo-Saxon population. Over time, however, its usage declined, and by the late Middle Ages, it had become virtually extinct as a given name.
Despite its relative obscurity today, Harlon has a notable historical connection through its association with the famous World War II photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima." One of the six Marines in the iconic image was Harlon Henry Block, who lost his life during the battle. His participation in this historic event helped revive interest in the name Harlon among some families in the United States.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the usage of the name Harlon, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Parents who choose this name for their children may be drawn to its unique sound, historical significance, or powerful meaning. Regardless of the reason, Harlon remains an uncommon and distinctive given name with a rich history and strong connotations.
The name Harlon has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century, with notable peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early 1910s, the name Harlon was given to around six babies each year. However, it experienced significant growth in popularity between 1916 and 1938, during which time the number of births with this name increased from 20 to a peak of 44 in 1939.
After this peak, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Harlon. Between 1940 and 1967, the annual number of births with this name fluctuated between a high of 38 in 1947 to a low of just seven in 1967.
However, since the late 1960s, there has been renewed interest in the name Harlon. Although it never regained its peak popularity from the early 20th century, the number of births with this name has remained relatively stable, ranging from a low of five to a high of 18 between 1967 and 2020.
In recent years, there has been continued interest in the name Harlon, with 14 babies being given this name in both 2021 and 2022. As of 2023, a total of 10 births with the name Harlon have been recorded so far.
Overall, while Harlon may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, its usage has demonstrated consistent interest over time, with notable periods of increased popularity.