HARLAND

Harland

Harland is a prominent British surname with roots in Old English. The name is of locational origin derived from the Old English words hēah and land, meaning "high land" or "high ground."

Origins

The use of surnames became more widespread in Britain during the late Middle Ages, with the concentration of people in urban areas and the need to differentiate between individuals with common first names. The surname Harland likely originated in regions with high terrain or elevated ground, such as the Yorkshire Dales or the Peak District.

Distribution and Variants

The surname Harland is most commonly found in Northern England and Yorkshire, where the topographical features that inspired its creation are abundant. Variants of the name include Harlin and Harling.

Notable Individuals

• Edgar Harland (1847–1920): An English marine biologist known for his work on the anatomy and classification of marine invertebrates.
• George Harland (1874–1945): A British trade unionist and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies.

Legacy

The surname Harland has endured through generations, reflecting the ancestral ties of many British families to specific geographic locations. Today, individuals with the surname Harland can be found across the globe, with a particular concentration in the United Kingdom.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Andrew
• Christopher
• David
• James
• John
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Richard
• Robert
• Stephen

Female

• Catherine
• Christine
• Elizabeth
• Jane
• Jennifer
• Julia
• Linda
• Lisa
• Margaret
• Mary
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.