Girl · 297th of 30,306
Harley
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
70,909
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2017
Peak Popularity Year
1,932
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Harley stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Harley originates from Old English, meaning 'hare meadow'. It has evolved through several historical forms, including Harlie and Harlee. The name is associated with a sense of freedom and adventure, largely due to its cultural ties. It does not have biblical relevance, and it gained popularity in the late 19th century. Variants include Harlee and Harlie, and notable figures with the name include fictional characters and founders in the automotive industry.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɑːrli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Harley is derived from a surname that originated from a place name in England, which combines the Old English elements 'hare', meaning 'hare', and 'leah', meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'.
Meaning
Hare meadow
Language Evolution
Harley (Old English), Harlie (Middle English), Harlee (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Harley gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Harlee, Harli, Harlie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Harley is often associated with a sense of freedom and adventure, partly due to its connection with motorcycle culture, particularly Harley-Davidson.
Famous People
Harley Quinn (fictional character), Harley Davidson (founder of the motorcycle company), Harley Earl (automobile designer)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,932 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 252nd of 7545 | 7,724 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 294th of 6773 | 6,655 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 493rd of 7552 | 4,353 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 649th of 10718 | 2,583 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 489th of 16616 | 6,001 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 507th of 24088 | 7,918 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 774th of 23106 | 3,811 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5714th of 9107 | 35 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5850th of 9204 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11010th of 12526 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8765th of 19264 | 62 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 736th of 27321 | 4,201 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 396th of 35406 | 12,684 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 297th of 30306 | 13,384 |