Surname Harland - Meaning and Origin

Harland: What does the surname Harland mean?

The surname Harland is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has locational roots. It is derived from the Old English words "har", which means "grey" or "rock", and "land", which translates to "land" or "territory". Therefore, it roughly translates to “rocky land” or "grey land". It was typically given to families living in or near rocky landscapes.

The surname first appeared in the counties of Cumberland and Durham in Northern England. In some cases, people got this surname by living in a place called Harland in these regions. Over the centuries, the mantle of this surname passed on through generations and spread to other parts of the world due to migration.

People bearing the surname Harland have made their mark in various fields and sectors, contributing to its widespread recognition. For instance, Harland David Sanders, more famously known as Colonel Sanders, was the founder of the fast-food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

Harland: Where does the name Harland come from?

The surname Harland originally hails from the Norse-Viking culture. Specifically, it originates from the Old English words "hare," meaning "rock," and "land," meaning "land." Thus, Harland could be interpreted as "rocky land." It is believed that the surname first appeared in the medieval period in Yorkshire in Northern England, where Norse-Vikings had strong settlements.

Over centuries, the surname spread out, primarily within the United Kingdom. Notably, Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame brought popularity to the name in the United States. Today, the surname is broadly dispersed, but remains more common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and to some extent in the United States. Also, smaller populations could be found in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Harland

The surname Harland has several variants and associated surnames that may have evolved due to a multitude of factors including regional dialects, immigration, and simplification. Here are some possible variations: Harlan, Harlen, Harlin, Harlend, Harlant, Harlane, and Harlann. The spelling of this name may also vary over time and location, just like most surnames. Some more variants can include Hurland, Herland, Harlynd, and Hurlynd.

Harland can also have connections to other surnames of similar origin or meaning. It originates from a mixture of Old Norse and Old English, indicating someone who lived by a patch of arable land. Therefore, it shares the origin with many other topographical surnames like Land, Field, Hill, or Dale. It's also noteworthy that as people migrated and languages evolved, the surname might have been changed or translated, leading to potential connections to other names. Finally, as Harland is a quite common surname, spelling variations may also exist due to transcription errors and illiteracy in past centuries. However, the surnames mentioned above are the ones most commonly related to Harland.

Famous people with the name Harland

• Colonel Harland Sanders: The founder of the fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken, Harland Sanders is perhaps the most well-known individual with this surname. He's best recognized by white suit and string tie.
• Richard Harland: An award-winning Australian fantasy and science fiction writer.
• Tim Harland: A British photographer and radio presenter.
• Harland Williams: A Canadian-American actor, comedian, and musician known for his roles in films such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary."
• John Harland: A British historian and philologist, who wrote several works on the early history of Northern England.
• Heather Harland: A renowned New Zealand artist.
• Pauline Harland: A Dutch actress who is recognized for her roles in television series such as "Blueberry Hill" and "Un pas au delà."
• Nathalie Harland: A Swiss actress, known for her work in Swiss television.
• Harland Braun: A high-profile American criminal defense attorney.
• Harriet Harland: An actress known for her roles in the film, "A Stranger in My Home."
• Harland Dorrinson: An American satirist and humorist. Note that "Harland" could be a first or last name depending on the individual.

Other surnames

HarlanHarlanderHarlapHarlaw