Hardy is a strong and distinctive name of English origin. It has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and was originally used as a surname meaning "strong" or "hardy". The name is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse word "hárfríðr", which translates to "hardy peace".
The name Hardy gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, thanks in part to American author Thomas Hardy, whose works include novels such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd". However, it is important to note that the author's first name was actually "Thomas", not "Hardy".
Today, Hardy is still considered a strong and masculine name, often associated with qualities such as resilience, courage, and determination. It has been used by several notable individuals throughout history, including American poet Thomas Hardy (1860-1928), British actor Tom Hardy (born 1977), and Canadian hockey player Joe Hardy (born 1951).
The name Hardy has seen fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 17 babies being given this name since 1927. In its peak year, which was relatively recent at 2022, there were 7 newborns named Hardy. However, it seems that this name's popularity has been more consistent over time rather than showing any significant trends towards becoming more or less common.