Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Harry
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “home ruler (form of Henry)”
- Meaning
- home ruler (form of Henry)
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- HAIR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #775
- US babies 2025
- 329
- Best rank
- #8 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Harry
Harry is an English and Germanic name that means “home ruler (form of Henry)”.
Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, from the Germanic Heimirich, combining heim, meaning home, and ric, meaning ruler or power. English kings named Henry were often called Harry, and Shakespeare's Henry V is known as Prince Hal in his youth. The name is associated with Prince Harry and many other public figures. Harry feels friendly, classic and a little mischievous. It works as a full name or a nickname for Henry or Harrison.
Popularity over time
Harry has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #8 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 9,896 were named Harry. In 2025, 329 babies were named Harry, and it ranked #775 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #21 in 1920, #61 in 1950, #258 in 1980, #512 in 2000, #660 in 2010, and #775 in 2025. Of the 423,866 US boys named Harry since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 65,874 babies. Since 2010, 5,664 more have been named Harry.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Walter, Francis, Elmer, Lloyd, and Woodrow.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Harry ranked highest in New York, New Jersey, and Oklahoma.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #409 | 42 |
| New Jersey | #436 | 18 |
| Oklahoma | #482 | 9 |
| Connecticut | #522 | 5 |
| Kansas | #549 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Harry is usually pronounced HAIR-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with H and ends in “-ry”.
Middle names for Harry
A few middle names that flow with Harry: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Harry
Similar names
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HEHN-ree
“ruler of the home” · Germanic
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Lists that include Harry
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harry mean?
Harry is an English and Germanic name that means “home ruler (form of Henry)”.
What is the origin of the name Harry?
Harry has English and Germanic roots. Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, from the Germanic Heimirich, combining heim, meaning home, and ric, meaning ruler or power.
Is Harry a popular name?
Yes. Harry ranked #775 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Harry a boy or girl name?
Harry is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Harry?
Harry is usually pronounced HAIR-ee. 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