Hartley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "hæth" and "leah", which together mean "bright clearing". The name Hartley was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived in a bright or sunlit clearing. However, over time it has evolved into a unisex given name.
The earliest known use of the name Hartley as a given name was in the 18th century, although its use became more widespread during the Victorian era. Today, Hartley is still considered somewhat rare and unique, but it is occasionally used as a given name for both boys and girls.
Despite its rarity, there are a few notable individuals with the name Hartley. For example, Hartley C. Price was an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Price Waterhouse accounting firm, while Hartley Richardson is a Canadian businessman and the chairman of the Richardson International Limited company.
Overall, Hartley is a distinctive and interesting given name with a rich history dating back to Old English times. Its unique meaning and rarity make it a standout choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The given statistics illustrate the trend of the number of births with the name Hartley in the United States over several years. From 1984 to 1997, the number of babies named Hartley remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 and 11 births per year.
However, starting in 2001, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Hartley, with 15 births recorded that year. This upward trend continued, reaching a peak in 2013 with 128 births. Since then, the number of babies named Hartley has remained consistently high, ranging from 99 to 143 births per year.
Overall, according to the provided statistics, there have been a total of 1919 babies named Hartley born in the United States since 1984. This indicates that while the name Hartley may not have been particularly common during the earlier years, it has gained popularity and become more widespread in recent decades.