Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Harley

Harley is the transferred use of an English surname originating from villages located in the counties of Shropshire and Yorkshire so called Harley. The name could either be derived from the Olde English word “hoer” (meaning ‘rocks’) or “hara” (meaning ‘hare’) and “lēah” (a clearing or farm). From this perspective, the place name translates to “Hare’s Farm” or “farm by the rocks”. The name “de Harelea” was first recorded in 1166 making it one of the older surnames in English history. Over the centuries, the surname Harley came in many forms (de Harelea, Hearley, Aireley Airlie, and Harley) due to the high level of illiteracy in medieval times and the multitude of dialects producing different sounds. Surnames that were derived from place names were used as an identifier for people who moved from one village to the next. So a man who moved to a new village would be called “Harley” to signify the village from which he came. The name Harley is most notably connected to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, an American manufacturer of motorcycles (NY stock exchange symbol HOG) founded in 1903. The brand loyalty, enthusiasm and element of danger surrounding Harley motorcycles lend this name added mystique and charisma. Today, the name Harley for boys is a high ranking name in England. In the United States, Harley is more popular for little girls, although it is squarely unisex and used on both genders.

All About the Baby Name – Harley

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME HARLEY

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME HARLEY

Harley has been a name used for American boys since at least the late 19th century which predates the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company (1903). Using surnames as given names is a trend that dates much further back for boys than for girls. It’s not really until the 1980s that parents of daughters began to look at surnames with more interest. Harley is another casualty of a masculine name turning feminine in America. We hate to see this one go to the dark side. Harley just sounds more masculine thanks to its clear connection with the “tough guy” motorcycles. But buyer beware: Harley is a name used for all sorts of pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, turtles – you name it. It’s an especially great name for a pet rabbit given the name’s Olde English etymology.

Quick Facts

ON HARLEY

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

621

PRONUNCIATION:

HAHR-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Hare's farm; Farm by the rocks

Characteristics

OF HARLEY

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Harley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME HARLEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Harley

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME HARLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Harley


Popular Songs

ON HARLEY

Harley
a song by The Jacksons

Haley's Got A Harley
a song by 38 Special

Electric Harley House (Of Love)
a song by Green Jelly

Famous People

NAMED HARLEY

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Harley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Harley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Harley.

Children of Famous People

NAMED HARLEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Harley

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME HARLEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Harley