MallowbyNames

Garlan

GAR-lən · Uncertain; likely a variant of Garland, meaning 'land of the spear' or 'spear forest' in Old English.

Peak popularity
1930
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Garlan since 1914

Babies named Garlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

51015192019602000Most births 1930Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s41
1920s98
1930s73
1940s93
1950s40
1960s58
1970s13
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Garlan is a rare masculine name that emerged as a variant of the more familiar Garland. First recorded in 1914, it saw its peak year in 1930, but has since remained extremely uncommon, with a stable trajectory of negligible usage. Despite its Old English origins, the name has never achieved widespread popularity and is not found in any top states' data. For parents seeking an obscure vintage name with a straightforward pronunciation, Garlan offers a distinct alternative to more common choices, though its meaning and etymology are closely tied to the better-known Garland.

Garlan appears to be a variant spelling of Garland, which derives from Old English 'gār' (spear) and 'land'. The name originally referred to someone who lived near a triangular piece of land or a 'spear-shaped' field. As a given name, it saw modest use in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, but has remained rare.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Gary, Garry, Lanny

Variants: Garland, Garlen

Sibling names for Garlan

Names that share Garlan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

G is for Garlan, our favorite little boy.

G is for Garlan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Garlan's letter becomes Garlan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Garlan's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Garlan mean?
The exact meaning of Garlan is uncertain, but it is likely a variant of Garland, which in Old English means 'spear land' or 'land of the spear.'
How popular is the name Garlan currently?
Garlan is extremely rare today. It ranked outside the top 1000 names and has not been in the top 1000 since before 1950. Its peak year was 1930, and usage has been stable at very low levels.
Is Garlan more commonly used for boys or girls?
Garlan is almost exclusively used for boys, consistent with its derivation from the masculine name Garland.