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 #293 in 2024 — currently #309 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Harlow?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Harlow John
One syllable · timeless choice
Harlow Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Harlow Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Harlow Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Harlow Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Harlow right now?
Declining — down 16 spots — currently #309 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #309 | 981 | ▼ down 16 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #293 | 1,083 | ▼ down 56 · -15% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Harlow by decade
Harlow peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 3,403 | |
What are good nicknames for Harlow?
What names sound and feel like Harlow?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Harlow also consider these
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 HAH-rloh. 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.