| Meaning | rocky land, army land |
| Origin | English, German |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Harlan |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Har-lan |
About Harlan
With literary sophistication woven into every syllable, Harlan presents an intellectually rich choice that rewards closer examination. This name occupies a fascinating space where vintage charm meets contemporary reimagining, offering parents a selection that feels both discovered and distinctive. The strong consonants create a solid foundation while maintaining approachable warmth. Harlan suggests depth of character and quiet confidence—qualities often associated with thoughtful, creative individuals. Its relative rarity ensures uniqueness without venturing into unfamiliar territory, striking that delicate balance many families seek. The name's historical usage adds layers of interest for those who appreciate names with stories to tell. Harlan works beautifully across all life stages, from childhood through professional adulthood, never feeling diminished or overly casual. For parents drawn to names that combine strength with subtlety, intelligence with accessibility, Harlan deserves serious consideration as a choice that will age gracefully alongside their daughter.
Nicknames for Harlan
| Harley |
| Lanny |
| Hara |
| Hali |
Famous People Named Harlan
| Harlan Coben | Acclaimed American author |
| Harlan F. Stone | First female justice on the United States Supreme Court |
| Harlan Warren | American screenwriter and actress |
| Harlan Lee T. Bobo | American singer-songwriter |
| Harlan Waksal | Co-founder of ImClone Systems |
| Harlan Tarbell | American magician and writer |
| Harlan D. Logan | American politician |
| Harlan Lane | American psychologist and author |
| Harlan Mathews | American politician and diplomat |
| Harlan Howard | American songwriter |
| Harlan Drake | American baseball player |
| Harlan Miller | American football player |
| Harlan Stone | American composer and educator |
| Harlan McKosato | Native American journalist and broadcaster |
| Harlan Kredit | American actress |
| Harlan Knight | American politician |
| Harlan P. Banks | American botanist |
| Harlan Ellison | American photographer and cinematographer |
| Harlan E. Anderson | American businessman and CEO |
Characters Named Harlan
| Harlan Quinn | from the "Mortal Engines" series by Philip Reeve |
| Harlan Turner | from the "Ender's Game" series by Orson Scott Card |
| Harlan Carson | from "The Walking Dead" TV series |
| Harlan Silvermane | from Marvel Comics |
| Harlan Degroat | from the movie "Out of the Furnace" |
| Harlan Hawkes | from the TV series "MacGyver" |
| Harlan York | from the TV series "Grey's Anatomy" |
| Harlan Fontaine | from the video game "L.A. Noire" |
| Harlan King | from the TV series "Bones" |
| Harlan Judd | from the TV series "Covert Affairs" |
| Harlan Fiske Stone | from the TV series "Boardwalk Empire" |
| Harlan Draka | from the book "Warcraft - War of the Ancients Trilogy" |
| Harlan Jane Eagleton | from the TV series "The Mentalist" |
| Harlan Wade | from the video game "F.E.A.R" |
| Harlan Williams | from the TV series "Veronica Mars" |
| Harlan Mayhew | from the book "Black House" by Stephen King and Peter Straub |
| Harlan Dorrinson | from the TV series "The Newsroom" |
| Harlan Flick | from the TV series "The Finder" |
| Harlan Hardy | from the book "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson |