Meaning & Story
Harlan is an English surname meaning 'hare land' or 'rocky land' from Old English 'hara' (hare) and 'land.' It has a solid, distinctly American quality — evoking the rugged, independent spirit of the American frontier.
Harlan is a name with American grit built into its DNA — it sounds like someone who fixes things, says what he means, and has never once in his life been described as 'precious.' For a large, sturdy working breed with genuine substance and an honest, loyal character, Harlan fits beautifully. It also has a wonderful literary tradition: Harlan Ellison was one of science fiction's most fearless voices, which suits a dog with strong opinions.