Harley is a name of English origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "Hære" which means "hare". The name Harley was initially used as a surname, but it has since evolved into a popular given name for boys.
The name Harley is often associated with speed and power due to its connection with the famous motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson. However, there is no direct link between the name Harley and the motorcycle company. Instead, the founder of the company, William S. Harley, was named after his father's friend, who had a similar-sounding name.
Throughout history, the name Harley has been worn by several notable figures. One of the most famous Harleys is Harley Davidson, the co-founder of the motorcycle company that bears his name. Another notable figure is Harley Earl, an automotive designer and the first design director for General Motors.
Despite its recent popularity, the name Harley is still relatively uncommon compared to other boys' names. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked #326 in popularity for baby boys born in 2019 in the United States. Nonetheless, many parents continue to choose this unique and distinctive name for their sons.
In conclusion, Harley is an English name with a charming meaning that has been associated with speed, power, and innovation throughout history. Despite its recent popularity, it remains a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their baby boy.
The name Harley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided.
From 1916 to 1975, the number of births with the name Harley remained relatively low, ranging from 5 to 8 births per year. However, starting in 1975, there was a notable increase, with 8 births that year. This trend continued and accelerated in the following years:
* From 1980 onwards, the number of births with the name Harley began to rise steadily, reaching double digits.
* By 1984, there were 15 births, and by 1989, this number had jumped to 36.
* The 1990s saw a significant surge in popularity for the name Harley. In 1990, there were 157 births, which more than doubled by 1991 with 316 births.
* This upward trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with the highest number of Harley births in a single year being 1432 in 2016.
Overall, from 1916 to 2023, there were a total of 29594 births with the name Harley in the United States. This indicates that while it may not have been particularly popular for much of the early-to-mid 20th century, the name Harley has gained considerable traction in recent decades and has since become quite common among newborns in the United States.