A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Harlan since 1880
Babies named Harlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 106 |
| 1890s | 137 |
| 1900s | 258 |
| 1910s | 2,012 |
| 1920s | 4,177 |
| 1930s | 3,891 |
| 1940s | 3,269 |
| 1950s | 2,720 |
| 1960s | 1,824 |
| 1970s | 965 |
| 1980s | 733 |
| 1990s | 683 |
| 2000s | 850 |
| 2010s | 2,414 |
| 2020s | 2,442 |
Meaning & origin
Harlan is a surname-derived first name with roots in Old English place names. Its earliest recorded use as a given name in U.S. data dates to 1880. The name peaked in popularity in 1924 before declining, but began a steady rise again in 1997. In recent years, it has become a stylish choice for boys, particularly favored in states like Kentucky, Minnesota, and Iowa. As of 2025, Harlan ranked 617th, with a 1-in-3,762 frequency among newborn boys. Its revival reflects a broader trend toward vintage surname names, and it offers a strong, straightforward sound that pairs well with classic and modern sibling names alike.
Harlan is an English surname turned given name, derived from a place name meaning either 'hare land' or 'rocky land' (Old English hār or hār + land). It first appeared as a personal name in the 19th century, gaining moderate popularity in the United States. The name saw a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Where Harlan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Harlan” around the world
Where Harlan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Harley
Sibling names for Harlan
Names that share Harlan's style, for a brother or sister.
