Harlow

“army hill”

American origin · popularized by actress Jean Harlow during the 1930s

♂ 19% boys♀ 81% girls

#237US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

↑Rising

10.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 200200.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Harlow

HAH·rloh

/ˈhɑ.rloʊ/ · stress on HAH · 2 syllables

“army hill”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Harlow mean and where does it come from?

The name Harlow has Old English origins, stemming from the phrase 'herla geweard', which translates to 'army hill' or 'hare mound'. It gained popularity as a feminine name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. The name was popularized by actress Jean Harlow during the 1930s. Harlow

Cultural significance

Harlow has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of army hill.

Peak popularity

Reached #317 in 2019 — currently #237 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Harlow?

Harlow works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Harlow Grace

How popular is Harlow right now?

Rising — up 26 spots — currently #237 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#237 · Top 0.17%

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#237	1,273	▲ up 26 · +6% births
2022	#263	1,199	▼ down 26 · -6% births
2021	#237	1,278	▲ up 87 · +34% births
2020	#324	952	▲ up 98 · +26% births
2015	#422	757	▲ up 353 · +114% births
2010	#775	354	▲ up 8689 · +3118% births
2005	#9464	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Harlow

Best Year2021Rank #237

Peak Count1,278

Average Rank#1675

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2005 - 20237 years

The story of Harlow

Harlow is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2002. A total of 10,058 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9464 in 2005 to #237 in 2023. Harlow is used for both genders: 81% female and 19% male.

Names that peaked alongside Harlow in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Harlow by decade

Harlow peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	28
1890s	41
1900s	36
1910s	274
1920s	329
1930s	325
1940s	225
1950s	133
1960s	51
1970s	27
1980s	5
1990s	10
2000s	559
2010s ★	7,002
2020s	1,013

What are good nicknames for Harlow?

Common

HarHaArlow

What names sound and feel like Harlow?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Harlow also consider these

Hallow

American · Associated with the

Harlon

American · Army land; free

Marlow

American · driftwood, a meadow

Harrow

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Harlo

American · English

Arlow

American · A blend of

Farlow

Arabic · A Arabic name

Darlow

United Kingdom · From the valley

Common questions about the name Harlow

What does the name Harlow mean?

Harlow means "army hill" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Harlow?

Harlow is currently ranked #237 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Harlow have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Harlow?

Harlow originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Harlow?

Harlow is a two-syllable name pronounced HH AA1 R L OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Harlow trending right now?

Harlow is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.