Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Harley
UnisexOld English, English· “hare meadow”
- Meaning
- hare meadow
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- HAR-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #418
- US babies 2025
- 748
- Best rank
- #202 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Harley
Harley is an Old English and English name that means “hare meadow”.
Harley comes from an English surname based on a place name, formed from the Old English hara, meaning "hare," and leah, meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow." The surname belonged to a prominent English family, including Robert Harley, a leading statesman of the early eighteenth century, and Harley Street in London takes its name from them. In the United States the name is strongly associated with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand, which gives it a rebellious, free-spirited edge. Harley is used for both boys and girls, and its two easy syllables make it relaxed and approachable.
Popularity over time
Harley first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1991. Its best national rank was #202 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,532 babies. In 2025, 748 babies were named Harley, and it ranked #418 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,453 in 1980, #382 in 2000, #431 in 2010, and #418 in 2025. Of the 31,167 US girls named Harley since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,212 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Finley, Karsyn, and Quinn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Harley ranked highest in Montana, West Virginia, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #128 | 8 |
| West Virginia | #190 | 9 |
| South Dakota | #208 | 6 |
| Louisiana | #233 | 19 |
| Maine | #233 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Harley is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 73% of US babies named Harley were girls and 27% were boys.
Harley is usually pronounced HAR-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Harley
A few middle names that flow with Harley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Harley
Similar names
Hailey Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#104
Sydney Girl
SIHD-nee
“from an English surname and place name” · Old English
#348
Hadley Girl
HAD-lee
“heather clearing” · English
#121
Marley Girl
MAHR-lee
“pleasant wood or clearing” · English
#322
Presley Girl
PREZ-lee
“priest's clearing” · English
#225
Haley Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#861
Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Kelsey Girl
KEHL-see
“from an English place name; ship island” · English
#814
Westley Boy
WEHST-lee
“west meadow” · English
#619
Honey Girl
HUH-nee
“honey; a term of endearment” · English
#846
Riley Unisex
RY-lee
“rye clearing” · English
#48
Audrey Girl
AW-dree
“noble strength” · English
#86
Lists that include Harley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harley mean?
Harley is an Old English and English name that means “hare meadow”.
What is the origin of the name Harley?
Harley has Old English and English roots. Harley comes from an English surname based on a place name, formed from the Old English hara, meaning "hare," and leah, meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow." The surname belonged to a prominent English family, including Robert Harley, a leading statesman of the early eighteenth century, and Harley Street in London takes its name from them.
Is Harley a popular name?
Yes. Harley ranked #418 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Harley a boy or girl name?
Harley is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 73% of US babies named Harley were girls and 27% were boys.
How do you pronounce Harley?
Harley is usually pronounced HAR-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings