Harvard is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the town of Harvard, located in Massachusetts, which was founded in 1636 by the Reverend John Dunster. The town was named after his alma mater, Harvard College, which was established in 1636 and is now known as Harvard University.
The name Harvard has no specific meaning or translation in any language. It simply serves as a tribute to the prestigious educational institution that bears the same name. Over time, Harvard has become synonymous with academic excellence and intellectual achievement worldwide.
Despite its association with the renowned university, the given name Harvard has not gained significant popularity outside of New England. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has been given to fewer than 500 babies since 1879 when recording of names began.
In recent years, there has been a slight increase in the usage of the name Harvard as parents continue to seek unique and meaningful names for their children. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other popular names.
Overall, the given name Harvard is deeply rooted in American history and education, serving as a testament to the importance of intellectual pursuits and academic excellence. Its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their child.
The name Harvard has been a popular choice among parents in the United States since at least 1912. From that year until 1948, there were consistently between 5 to 17 births each year with the name Harvard. However, after 1948, the popularity of the name started to decline, with fewer than 10 births per year until 1965.
The lowest point in popularity was reached in 1951 and 1960, with only 5 births each year. But even during these years, there were still some parents who chose the name Harvard for their newborns.
In the following decades, the number of babies named Harvard remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5 to 17 births per year. However, there was a noticeable increase in popularity starting from the late 1980s, with 6 births each in 1983 and 2008.
The most recent data available shows that the name Harvard is still being chosen by parents for their children born in the United States. Between 2013 and 2018, there were between 5 to 9 births each year with the name Harvard. This indicates that although it may not be as popular as some other names, Harvard remains a relevant choice among American parents.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the popularity of the name Harvard has varied over time, it has consistently remained in use as a boy's name in the United States for over a century.