Harlan

Harlan is a name used as both a surname and a given name. It is of English origin and has appeared in place names in England that later influenced its use in the United States and other English-speaking regions. Over time, Harlan has been adopted as a given name in addition to its function as a family name.

Geography and toponymy: The name Harlan is associated with several places in the United States, including towns and counties that bear the name or incorporate it into their official designation. The use of Harlan in toponymy reflects common practice of naming settlements and administrative regions after early residents, landholders, or notable individuals bearing the surname.

Notable people: There are several prominent figures with Harlan as a surname, including John Marshall Harlan, who served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and his grandson John Marshall Harlan II, who also served on the Court. As a given name, Harlan has been borne by figures such as Harlan Ellison, an American writer known for speculative fiction, and Harlan Coben, an American author known for crime novels. The name appears across various fields, including law, literature, and entertainment.

Usage and variations: The name appears in various spellings and adaptations across English-speaking countries. It is used in contemporary times as both a first name and a surname, and it continues to be encountered in historical and modern contexts.