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Harlow

♀ Girl

Pronounced HAR-loh /ˈhɑːr.loʊ/High

Meaning: Army hill or rock hill; from Old English here (army) + hlaw (hill, mound)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English surname meaning 'army hill,' immortalized by silver-screen icon Jean Harlow. It has become a glamorous first name for girls — evoking both Hollywood golden-age stardom and 1930s elegance.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningArmy hill or rock hill; from Old English here (army) + hlaw (hill, mound)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,331

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201720022017

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

History & Origin

Harlow is an English surname from the Old English here ('army') and hlāw ('hill, mound'), meaning 'army hill.' There are several places named Harlow in England, including Harlow in Essex. The surname became a given name largely through the influence of actress Jean Harlow (1911–1937), one of the most iconic figures of early Hollywood.

Harlow began appearing as a first name in the United States in the 2000s, rising alongside other glamorous surname names for girls. Nicole Richie naming her daughter Harlow in 2008 boosted its profile significantly. It entered the top 200 girls' names in the 2010s, prized for its Old Hollywood glamour.

Did you know? Jean Harlow (1911–1937) — born Harlean Harlow Carpenter — was the original blonde bombshell of Hollywood, nicknamed the 'Platinum Blonde.' She died at age 26, cementing her legend.

Variations

Harlo

Nicknames

HarHarly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jean Harlow (1911–1937)
    American actress, the original 'Platinum Blonde' of Hollywood's golden age.
  • ★Harlow Madden (Richie-Madden) (b. 2008)
    Daughter of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, whose birth helped popularize the name.

If you like Harlow…

Presley— another musician/entertainer surname with a vintage celebrity connection
Everly— surname name with a similar Old Hollywood era feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Harlow mean?

Harlow means 'army hill' from Old English here (army) and hlaw (hill, mound). It is a place name turned surname turned first name.

How do you pronounce Harlow?

Harlow is pronounced HAR-loh (/ˈhɑːr.loʊ/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Harlow a boy or girl name?

Harlow is now predominantly used as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is Harlow?

Harlow entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names in the 2010s and has been steadily rising, popular for its Old Hollywood glamour.