Harley is a unisex given name derived from an English surname, which itself originated as a place name. The etymological components are the Old English elements hara meaning "hare" or hær meaning "rock, heap of stones," combined with leah meaning "woodland, clearing." Thus, the name Harley can be interpreted as "hare's meadow" or "rock clearing."History and UsageHarley first emerged as a personal name in the 19th century, primarily as a masculine name in the United States. By 1880, it ranked as the 180th most popular masculine given name. The name gained unisex appeal after the character Harley Cooper appeared on the soap opera Guiding Light in 1987, contributing to its rise as a feminine given name. In 1991, Harley became the 667th most popular female name in the U.S., coinciding with the late-20th-century trend of using surname-names for girls.Notable BearersAcademicsHarley Flanders (1925–2013), American mathematicianHarley Rutledge (1926–2006), American physics professor and ufologistArtists and PerformersHarley Parker (1915–1992), Canadian artist, designer, and curatorHarley Schwadron, American cartoonistHarley Refsal, American artist and woodcarverHarley Allen (1956–2011), American country singer and songwriterHarley Alexander-Sule (born 1988), English singer and modelVariantsCommon variant forms include Harlee and Harleigh.Meaning: "Hare's meadow" or "rock clearing"Origin: English surname derived from Old English place nameType: Unisex given nameUsage regions: Primarily United States, also British Commonwealth