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Harley

♀ Girl

Pronounced HAR-lee /ˈhɑːr.li/High

Meaning: From Old English hara (hare) and leah (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning a meadow where hares are found; a topographic English surnameHigh

In 30 seconds: Harley is a rugged Old English nature name meaning 'hare's meadow' that has found a second life as a bold, gender-bending girls' name — boosted by both the motorcycle brand and the iconic DC villain.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningFrom Old English hara (hare) and leah (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning a meadow where hares are found; a topographic English surname
U.S. rank (2025)#418 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births748 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 31,158

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719162025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Harley derives from Old English hara (hare or stag) and leah (clearing, meadow), denoting a wooded clearing where hares were found. It was an English place name and surname before becoming a given name.

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand and Harley Quinn have both contributed to the name's modern image. Harley has shifted toward primarily feminine use in the United States in recent years.

Did you know? Harley Quinn, the psychiatrist-turned-villain from DC Comics, was created in 1992 for Batman: The Animated Series — her name a pun on 'Harlequin' — and has since become one of the most recognizable names in comic book culture.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Harley — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HarleighHarlee

Nicknames

Har

Famous Bearers

  • ★Harley Quinn (fictional)
    DC Comics villain and antihero, created in 1992 for Batman: The Animated Series; portrayed by Margot Robbie in films.

If you like Harley…

Hayley— shares the -ley English place-name structure and the same warm feminine feel
Finley— fellow Gaelic-English -ley name crossing from male to female use
Charlee— shares the feminine -ee/-ley modern respelling energy and same generation
Marley— parallel -ley surname-name with the same rock-and-roll edge

Frequently Asked

What does the name Harley mean?

Harley means a meadow where hares are found from Old English hara (hare) and leah (clearing).

How do you pronounce Harley?

It is said HAR-lee /ˈhɑːr.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Harley a girl's name now?

Harley has shifted predominantly feminine in the U.S. in recent years, though it remains used for boys too.

Is Harley popular because of the motorcycle?

The Harley-Davidson brand and Harley Quinn have both contributed to the name's bold, edgy associations.