Harley
Harley is a unisex name of English origin meaning “hare meadow; woodland clearing.” From Old English hara (hare) and leah (clearing).
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how do you pronounce Harley?
HAR-lee
where does the name Harley come from?
From the Old English hara, hare, and lēah, wood, clearing or later meadow: hare's meadow. Some accounts read the first element as rock instead.
Long associated with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand, the name has a rebellious edge that has made it popular for both genders. Harley Quinn, the DC Comics villain, has boosted its pop-culture profile.
how popular is this name?
Harley has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 144 years since 1880. It peaked at #163 in 1887, and ranked #997 in 2023.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2023 | #997 |
| 2022 | #913 |
| 2021 | #920 |
| 2020 | #781 |
| 2019 | #802 |
| 2018 | #772 |
| 2017 | #646 |
| 2016 | #674 |
| 2015 | #653 |
| 2014 | #639 |
| 2010 | #563 |
| 2000 | #444 |
| 1990 | #589 |
| 1980 | #508 |
| 1970 | #724 |
| 1960 | #598 |
| 1950 | #413 |
| 1940 | #300 |
| 1930 | #264 |
| 1920 | #250 |
| 1910 | #256 |
| 1900 | #224 |
| 1890 | #229 |
| 1887 | #163 |
| 1880 | #180 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Harley fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Harley?
- Harley Quinn (DC Comics character)
- Harley-Davidson (iconic brand)
what names are similar to Harley?
what names go well with Harley?
Sibling names that share Harley's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Harley
What does the name Harley mean?
Harley means “hare meadow; woodland clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Harley?
Harley comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Harley?
Harley ranked #997 in the US in 2023, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1887, at #163, and it has spent 144 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Harley a boy or girl name?
Harley is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Harley?
Harley is pronounced HAR-lee, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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