Arlan

Meaning: Possibly grey land, or hare's land
Origin: English surname — Possibly a variant of Arlen and Harlan

Boy's name · #2392 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Arlan is an heirloom: its strongest era came around 1936, when it ranked #625. It has thinned since but never left the records — about 3,400 boys since 1912, ranked #2392 today.

Across the states

In recent years, Arlan ran about 5× its national rate in Pennsylvania.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 2 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Arlan ranks in other countries and regions.

#1,798 in England & Wales (2025) · #3,453 in France (2025) · #3,086 in Ecuador (2024) · #3,182 in Italy (2023) · #2,812 in Canada (2021).

Famous Arlans

Arlan Stangeland — American politician (1930–2013)
Arlan Keith Andrews — American engineer and writer (born 1940)
Arlan Meekhof — American politician (born 1959)
Arlan G. Richardson — American biochemist and academic
Arlan Lerio — Filipino boxer (born 1976)

In stories & tradition

Arlan — Playable character in Honkai: Star Rail

What Arlans become

Among 22 notable people named Arlan:

No single standout — notable Arlans spread across many fields.

Similar names: Harland · Niles · Harlen · Eldon · Arden · Sylvan

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service