The name Harlan originates from Old English, derived from the words "here" meaning army and "land" meaning land or estate. It was initially a surname given to someone who lived near an army encampment or military base. The name can also be traced back to the Old Norse word "hær" meaning army.

During the Anglo-Saxon period in England, the name Harlan was primarily used as a surname. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a landowner named Herlan in Lincolnshire.

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity as a given name, particularly among the nobility and landowners. It was seen as a strong and masculine name, reflecting the military and territorial connotations of its origins.

Harlan appeared in various historical records and texts throughout the centuries. In the 13th century, the name was mentioned in the "Annals of Winchester," a chronicle of events in the city of Winchester, England.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Harlan was Harlan of Bassingham, a 13th-century English nobleman and landowner from Lincolnshire. He was known for his involvement in local politics and disputes with the church.

In the 16th century, Harlan Hubbard, an English explorer and author, gained fame for his travels and writings about the New World. He was born in 1585 and is known for his book "A Relation of a Voyage to the Continent of America," published in 1625.

During the American Revolutionary War, Harlan Mudd (1742-1818) was a prominent figure who served as a colonel in the Continental Army. He played a significant role in several battles and was later appointed as a judge in Kentucky.

In the 19th century, Harlan F. Stone (1872-1946) was a notable American lawyer and jurist who served as the 12th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1941 to 1946.

Another prominent individual was Harlan Ellison (1934-2018), an acclaimed American writer and screenwriter best known for his works in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He won numerous awards, including multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, for his influential stories and essays.