Harlow

Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
15,501 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2023 Peak Popularity Year
1,455 Peak Births

Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Harlow is an Old English name meaning 'army hill', derived from elements signifying military strength and geographical features. It has evolved through forms like Herlawe and Harlowe, reflecting its historical roots. The name is not associated with biblical references. Gaining popularity in the 20th century, Harlow is now viewed as a fashionable and unique choice. Variants include Harlowe and Harlie, and it is associated with notable figures such as Jean Harlow. Overall, Harlow combines a rich historical background with modern appeal.

Etymology & Cultural Background

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Pronunciation

/ˈhɑrloʊ/

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Origin

Old English

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Etymology

The name Harlow is derived from the Old English elements 'her', meaning 'army', and 'hlaw', meaning 'hill'. It originally referred to a hill where an army might gather.

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Meaning

Army hill

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Language Evolution

Herlawe, Harlowe

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Historical Usage

Harlow began to gain popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has seen a rise in use in the 21st century, especially among parents looking for unique names.

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Variants & Derivatives

Harlowe, Harlie

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Modern Popularity & Image

Today, Harlow is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with creativity and individuality. It has a stylish image and has been favored by celebrities.

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Famous People

Harlow Carter (American actress), Jean Harlow (Hollywood actress)

📊 Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Name Visualizations

Key Insights

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 1,455 peak births in 2023

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)

Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.

Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.

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

Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 1178th of 7545 577
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 1283rd of 6773 524
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 2250th of 7552 247
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 6035th of 10718 42
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 12845th of 16616 15
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 8749th of 24088 110
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 1976th of 23106 906
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 1733rd of 35406 1,842
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 339th of 30306 11,159

Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
49.86%
706th/1416
54.60%
753rd/1379
- -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
46.57%
720th/1546
56.56%
880th/1556
- -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 60.91%
1480th/2430
- -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
41.57%
1656th/3984
49.28%
2211th/4487
32.35%
2207th/6822
27.52%
1727th/6276

Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
25.67%
1176th/4582
35.63%
1840th/5164
26.94%
1970th/7313
16.05%
1198th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
6.60%
263rd/3984
9.52%
427th/4487
6.74%
460th/6822
4.54%
285th/6276

State-by-State Popularity

This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States

This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1178th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1283rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2250th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6035th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12845th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8749th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1976th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1733rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 339th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity analysis
Infographic: Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names
[600x500px image] Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names