Harlan

/ˈhɑːrlən/ proper noun

Definition

A surname or place name, most commonly referring to Harlan County in Kentucky or various cities named Harlan in the United States.

Etymology

English surname derived from Old English 'heorot' (hart/stag) and 'land' (land), literally meaning 'stag land' or 'land where deer graze'. The name evolved from a topographical designation to a family name and subsequently to place names.

Kelly Says

Harlan County, Kentucky became famous for its coal mining conflicts in the 1970s, inspiring the documentary 'Harlan County, USA' which won an Academy Award. The county's violent labor disputes earned it the nickname 'Bloody Harlan' during the coal wars of the 1930s.

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