Harlan is often used as a given name for boys in the US; in the UK, it is usually a surname. Like many surnames, Harlan was originally a place name. There were several places in Britain called Harland; this came from the Old English words har, meaning "grey" or hara "hare" and land, which implies cleared or cultivated land.
Another version of this name is Harland, which has the same meaning. A George Harland left England in 1687 and later became governor of the US state of Delaware. One of his descendants became the well known late 19th-century Judge John Marshall Harlan. The popularity of the name in the US may owe something to him.
Another version of this name is Harland, which has the same meaning. A George Harland left England in 1687 and later became governor of the US state of Delaware. One of his descendants became the well known late 19th-century Judge John Marshall Harlan. The popularity of the name in the US may owe something to him.
