Harlan

Harlan Origin and Meaning

The name Harlan is a girl's name.

Harlan as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it traditionally began as a masculine name of English origin meaning 'rocky land' or 'army land.' Derived from Old English elements, the name has historic connections to places in England. While predominantly used for boys throughout its history, Harlan has recently joined the trend of surnames and traditionally male names being adopted for girls. This usage remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, perhaps influenced by its rugged meaning. For girls, Harlan offers a modern, unique option with a strong sound and the trendy -an ending found in popular feminine names like Morgan and Jordan.