Pronunciation: [ˈɔːlən] (IPA) 
"Orlan" is spelled with five letters, starting with the vowel "o" followed by the consonants "r", "l", "a", and "n". In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is transcribed as /ɔːlæn/, meaning the "o" in "Orlan" is pronounced as an open-mid back rounded vowel, similar to the "aw" sound in "law". The "a" in "Orlan" is pronounced as a short "a" sound, and the "n" is pronounced with a nasal sound.
Orlan is a term with multiple meanings, encompassing a renowned contemporary French artist, an Indigenous language spoken in the Solomon Islands, and a charismatic African American name.
The most prominent definition of Orlan refers to the French performance artist and sculptor, born Mireille Suzanne Francette Porte, in 1947. Orlan is internationally recognized for her provocative and avant-garde artworks that challenge societal norms and conventions, primarily focused on issues of feminine identity, beauty standards, and the human body. She often employs plastic surgery as a medium, blending technology, body art, and photography to create thought-provoking and controversial pieces.
Alternatively, Orlan is also an adjective used to describe aspects related to Orlan's art, such as orlanesque performances, orlanian installations, or orlanian aesthetic.
Furthermore, Orlan is an Indigenous language spoken by the Orlan people, who reside in the Solomon Islands. This language, part of the Austronesian family, is primarily spoken in the province of Central Province.
Lastly, Orlan is a charismatic name of African American origin. It has no specific linguistic or cultural connotations, yet it exudes strength, uniqueness, and individuality. The name Orlan has gained popularity as an alternate and distinctive choice for parents seeking uncommon names for their children.
The word Orlan is a surname of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word herlant or hérlant, which was a nickname for someone who was fierce, bold, or warlike. The word itself possibly originated from the Germanic elements her meaning army and land meaning land or territory. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name evolved, eventually becoming Orlan.
