Harley is an English given name for males that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "Hære" which means "hare". However, it is also associated with the last name Harley, which is of Anglo-Saxon origin and means "from the hare field".
The name Harley has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It was often used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century. Some notable figures with the name include motorcycle manufacturer William S. Harley, who co-founded the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903.
Today, Harley is still predominantly used as a male given name but has also been occasionally used for females in recent years. It has gained popularity due to its unique sound and association with popular culture, such as the motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson. Despite its unconventional origins, Harley has become a recognized and beloved name for many families around the world.
The name Harley experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. It started with a peak of 91 births in 1892 but had its lowest point in the late 1800s, ranging from 51 to 77 births per year between 1885 and 1889. After the turn of the century, Harley's popularity began to rise steadily, reaching over 300 births annually by the 1970s.
The highest number of births recorded was in 1992 with 557 instances, which was a substantial increase from the previous year (789 births in 1994). However, since then, there has been a decline in Harley's popularity as a baby name. By 2023, it had fallen to 217 births annually.
Overall, the total number of births with the name Harley over this period is 40,270.