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.