Meaning: Hare's meadow; from Old English hara (hare) + leah (clearing, meadow)High
In 30 seconds: An Old English place-name surname meaning 'hare's meadow,' associated above all with Harley-Davidson motorcycles (1903) and with Harley Street in London — the world-famous address of private medical specialists.
MeaningHare's meadow; from Old English hara (hare) + leah (clearing, meadow)
U.S. rank (2024)#1017 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births218 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1994
Total births (all-time)≈ 40,499
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Harley comes from Old English hara (hare) and leah (clearing or meadow). Several English places bear the name. The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company (founded 1903) made the name synonymous with American freedom and rebellion.
Harley has been used for both boys and girls. For boys it ranked #1017 in 2024.
Did you know? Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — making Harley literally a founding partner's surname that became one of America's most powerful brand names.
Overall data confidence 89%
Behind the Name — Harley — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
HarleeHarleigh
Nicknames
Har
Famous Bearers
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If you like Harley…
Hadley— Old English -ley place-name surname in the same category
Oakley— Old English -ley place-name surname popular for both sexes
Finley— two-syllable -ley Celtic/English surname name
Barclay— Scottish -lay surname with the same outdoorsy quality
Charley— Old English Char + -ley, same -ley ending name in the same family
Frequently Asked
What does the name Harley mean?
Harley means 'hare's meadow,' from Old English hara (hare) and leah (clearing, meadow).
How do you pronounce Harley?
It's said HAR-lee — two syllables, stress on the first.
