The name Arlan is believed to have originated from the Old English language, with its roots dating back to the 5th century AD. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English words "ær," meaning "honor," and "land," meaning "land" or "estate." Thus, the name Arlan could be interpreted as "honorable landowner" or "esteemed estate."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arlan can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which documents the history of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. The name appears in an entry from the year 612 AD, referring to a nobleman named Arlan of Northumbria.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Arlan was primarily used by the nobility and landed gentry in England. Several historical figures bore this name, including Arlan of Mercia (c. 750 AD), a prominent nobleman and advisor to King Offa of Mercia. Another notable figure was Arlan the Scribe (c. 980 AD), a renowned monk and calligrapher who produced exquisite illuminated manuscripts for monasteries in Wessex.

During the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, the name Arlan became less common as Norman French names gained prominence among the ruling class. However, it remained in use among the Anglo-Saxon population, particularly in rural areas.

In the 13th century, a notable bearer of the name was Arlan FitzWilliam (c. 1220 AD), a wealthy landowner and benefactor who funded the construction of several churches and monasteries in Yorkshire, England. Another prominent figure was Sir Arlan de Warenne (c. 1280 AD), a skilled knight and military commander who served under King Edward I during the Welsh Wars.

In more recent history, Arlan Coulter (1898-1976) was a respected American journalist and author who wrote extensively about the American West and was known for his vivid descriptions of frontier life.

While the name Arlan has fallen out of common use in modern times, it remains a unique and historically significant name with deep roots in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, reflecting the values of honor, nobility, and land ownership.