Lathen is an uncommon given name of American origin, derived from Welsh roots. The name is thought to mean "harmonious" or "in harmony," which might be indicative of its bearer's nature or surroundings. It is composed of the elements "lath," meaning "harmony," and "en," meaning "in." Despite its uncommon usage today, Lathen was once popular among early settlers in Wales, particularly those from the area around Llandathen, a village named after Saint David (Dewi Sant), the patron saint of Wales. The name Lathen is sometimes associated with the Welsh surname Lathan, which is believed to have originated as an occupational name for a lime burner or calcer of limestone. However, it is not clear whether there is a direct connection between the given name Lathen and this surname.
The name Lathen experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a significant peak in 2010 and another notable spike in 2022. However, it generally remained relatively uncommon throughout most of the period, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1997 to 2020 inclusive.