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Harley

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAR-lee /ˈhɑːr.li/High

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.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningHare's meadow; from Old English hara (hare) + leah (clearing, meadow)

U.S. rank (2025)#1083 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births199 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1994

Total births (all-time)≈ 40,698

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

★Harley Race (1943-2019)
American professional wrestler and eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
★Harley Flanagan (1967-)
American musician, bassist and founder of hardcore band Cro-Mags

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

Charley— Old English Char + -ley, same -ley ending name in the same family

Huntley— a fellow English choice

Radley— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Harley

By themeenglish unisex two-syllable place-name surname-style

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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.

Is Harley a boy or girl name?

Harley is used for both sexes.

How popular is Harley?

Harley ranked #1017 for U.S. boys in 2024.