Karlan is an intriguing and distinctive given name of American origin, derived from the surname Karlin which is ultimately of German descent. The name Karlan first gained prominence as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly within African American communities, although it can be found among people of various ethnic backgrounds today. It has since become a popular unisex choice for parents seeking a unique and modern name for their child. Pronounced /ˈkɑːrlən/, Karlan's phonetic spelling offers a simple yet appealing rhythm that rolls off the tongue with ease. Its popularity can be attributed to its attractive sound, its lack of associations with specific historical figures or mythological characters, and perhaps most notably, its ability to serve as an appealing alternative to more traditional names like Carl or Carlton while still retaining a familiar feel.
The name Karlan experienced peaks in popularity during the late 1950s and early 1990s, with six babies named Karlan born annually at those times. The overall total of children named Karlan over these decades is forty-four.