Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Harlow
GirlEnglish, Old English· “from an English place name, 'army hill'”
- Meaning
- from an English place name, 'army hill'
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- HAHR-loh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #309
- US babies 2025
- 981
- Best rank
- #237 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Harlow
Harlow is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name, 'army hill'”.
Harlow is an English surname taken from the town of Harlow in Essex. The place name comes from Old English words usually explained as army and mound or hill, possibly marking an old meeting place. As a first name Harlow became known through the Hollywood actress Jean Harlow, whose stage name came from her mother's maiden name. In recent years it has become fashionable for girls in the United States, where it fits the taste for vintage glamour and surname names. Harlow is breezy, stylish and easy to spell.
Popularity over time
Harlow first appears in US Social Security records in 2002. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2009. Its best national rank was #237 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,278 babies. In 2025, 981 babies were named Harlow, and it ranked #309 nationally. That is 29% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #777 in 2010 and #309 in 2025. Of the 13,986 US girls named Harlow since records began, 48% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,697 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Milani, Octavia, Kailani, Kamila, and Alayah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Harlow ranked highest in South Dakota, Alaska, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #89 | 11 |
| Alaska | #153 | 5 |
| West Virginia | #163 | 10 |
| Idaho | #164 | 13 |
| Minnesota | #168 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Harlow over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Harlow is usually pronounced HAHR-loh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-ow”.
Middle names for Harlow
A few middle names that flow with Harlow: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Harlow
Similar names
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Lists that include Harlow
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harlow mean?
Harlow is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name, 'army hill'”.
What is the origin of the name Harlow?
Harlow has English and Old English roots. Harlow is an English surname taken from the town of Harlow in Essex.
Is Harlow a popular name?
Yes. Harlow ranked #309 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Harlow a boy or girl name?
Harlow is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Harlow over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Harlow?
Harlow is usually pronounced HAHR-loh. 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