A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Harlin since 1886
Babies named Harlin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harlin's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 10 |
| 1910s | 0 | 167 |
| 1920s | 0 | 332 |
| 1930s | 0 | 305 |
| 1940s | 0 | 238 |
| 1950s | 0 | 149 |
| 1960s | 0 | 104 |
| 1970s | 0 | 56 |
| 1980s | 0 | 40 |
| 1990s | 5 | 53 |
| 2000s | 5 | 88 |
| 2010s | 50 | 202 |
| 2020s | 53 | 130 |
Meaning & origin
Harlin first appeared in U.S. records in 1886, the same year it reached its peak rank of 4,249 at birth. After a long period of decline, the name has been rising steadily since 1999, reflecting a broader revival of late-19th-century names. With a 2025 rarity of about 1 in 71,170 newborns, Harlin remains an uncommon choice. Its top states are not documented, indicating widespread but sparse use. The name's modern appeal likely stems from its similarity to trending surnames and endings like -lin.
Harlin is likely a variant of the English surname Harlan, which itself is derived from a place name meaning 'hare land' or 'rocky land'. Alternatively, it may be a modern blend of names like Harry and Lynn. The name saw modest use in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, and has experienced a slight resurgence in recent decades.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Harley, Lin
Sibling names for Harlin
Names that share Harlin's style, for a brother or sister.
