Harvie

Harvie is a given name and surname of English origin, serving as a variant of Harvey.

Etymology and History

The name derives from the Breton given name Haerviu, meaning "battle worthy"—from haer "battle" and viu "worthy." Introduced to England by Breton settlers after the Norman Conquest, it honored the 6th-century Breton hermit Saint Haerviu (or Saint Harvey), patron saint of the blind. The name became rare during the later Middle Ages but was revived in the 19th century. The spelling Harvie emerged as an Anglicized variant alongside Hervey and other forms. Related variants in other languages include Herve in Breton and Hervé in French.

Notable Bearers

Harvie has been used as both a given name and surname. Notable given-name bearers include Harvie Andre (1940–2012), a Canadian engineer and politician; Harvie Branscomb (1894–1998), an American theologian and academic administrator; Harvie Ward (1925–2004), an American golfer; and J. Harvie Wilkinson III (born 1944), an American jurist. In fiction, Harvie Krumpet is the title character of an award-winning animated short film by Adam Elliot.

Cultural Significance

The name appears in Czech culture as Harvie, the stage name of a puppet character in Spejbl a Hurvinek. As a surname, it is shared by R. W. Harvie (1868–1922), a Canadian photographer, and his daughter Ellison. Diminutive forms include Harve.

• Meaning: "battle worthy" (from Breton haer "battle" + viu "worthy")
• Origin: Breton, via Norman England, later revived as English
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage regions: English-speaking world, especially Canada, United Kingdom, United States