Harlan is an English given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old German word "Herilaz," which means "army" or "war." The name Harlan has a strong and powerful connotation, reflecting its military origins.
The use of the name Harlan can be traced back to medieval England. It was originally used as a surname, likely given to someone who had served in the army or had some connection to military life. Over time, Harlan evolved from being a surname to a given name, with the first recorded instance of it being used as a first name occurring in the late 19th century.
Today, Harlan is still a relatively uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years. It is often chosen for its unique sound and strong meaning. Parents who give their children the name Harlan may be drawn to its historic significance or its powerful connotation. Overall, Harlan is a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich history dating back to medieval times.
The name Harlan has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1925 and 2023, there have been a total of 419 babies born with the name Harlan.
In the earliest year recorded, which is 1925, there were 7 births. The number of births fluctuated over the following decades, reaching a low point in 2005 with only 5 births. However, since then, the popularity of the name has been on an upward trend.
The years 2015 and 2023 saw the highest numbers of births for the name Harlan, with 33 and 50 respectively. This indicates a growing preference for the name in recent years. It is also worth noting that 2021 had the second-highest number of births for the name, with 42.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Harlan has not been consistent throughout the years, it appears to be gaining traction in recent times.