Harlan is a distinctive choice, ranked #529 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Harlan in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#529
US Rank #666
About the Name Harlan
Harlan is currently at its most popular point on record, sitting at UK #529. The name has climbed 98 places in the last five years — a significant surge by any measure. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Harlan is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #666 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Harlan
Unlikely. With around 73 UK babies named Harlan per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Harlan in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Harlan is currently rising in popularity in the UK, up 98 places over the last five years to #529 in 2024. If this trend continues, it will become more common in classrooms over the next decade.
Harlan is more popular in the UK (#529) than in the US (#666). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Harlan include: John Marshall Harlan — John Marshall Harlan was an American lawyer and politician who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1877 until his...; Harlan K. Ullman — Harlan Kenneth Ullman is Chairman of the Killowen Group that advises leaders of government and business; Chairman of CNIGuard Ltd and CNIGuard Inc, engaged in...; Olivia Harlan — Olivia Harlan Dekker is an American sportscaster, working as a sideline reporter for ESPN College Football, the NFL on Westwood One Sports, and Big Ten Network....
Harlan ranks #666 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
73
UK babies named Harlan (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↑ 98 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Harlan
Likely around 1 other Harlan in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Harlan
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
John Marshall Harlan was an American lawyer and politician who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1877 until his death in 1911. He is often called "The Great Dissenter" due to his many dissents in cases that restricted civil liberties, including the Civil Rights Cases, Plessy v.
Harlan Kenneth Ullman is Chairman of the Killowen Group that advises leaders of government and business; Chairman of CNIGuard Ltd and CNIGuard Inc, engaged in protection of critical infrastructure; Senior Advisor of the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC; and active on a number of private boards. A former naval officer, he has commanded destroyers as well as Swift Boats in Vietnam in over 150 combat patrols and actions.
Josiah Harlan, Prince of Ghor was an American adventurer who travelled to Afghanistan and Punjab with the intention of making himself a king. During his travels, he became involved in local politics and factional military actions.
Robert Ernest Harlan was an American football executive who served as the president of the Green Bay Packers for 19 years. Harlan also held the titles of chairman of the board and chief executive officer for the Packers.
Olivia Harlan Dekker is an American sportscaster, working as a sideline reporter for ESPN College Football, the NFL on Westwood One Sports, and Big Ten Network basketball.