Harley

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 Usage

Harley 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 Bearers

Academics

• Harley Flanders (1925–2013), American mathematician
• Harley Rutledge (1926–2006), American physics professor and ufologist

Artists and Performers

• Harley Parker (1915–1992), Canadian artist, designer, and curator
• Harley Schwadron, American cartoonist
• Harley Refsal, American artist and woodcarver
• Harley Allen (1956–2011), American country singer and songwriter
• Harley Alexander-Sule (born 1988), English singer and model

Variants

Common variant forms include Harlee and Harleigh.

• Meaning: "Hare's meadow" or "rock clearing"
• Origin: English surname derived from Old English place name
• Type: Unisex given name
• Usage regions: Primarily United States, also British Commonwealth