MallowbyNames

Harbor

HAHR-bər · A sheltered body of water where ships dock, also a rare American coinage used as a given name.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,957
Babies named in 2025
56
Peak popularity
2021
2025 frequency
1 in 28,701 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022, #2,957 for girls today.

Popularity of Harbor since 2006

Babies named Harbor per year in U.S. Social Security records.

27548120102020Most births 2018GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
2000s2928
2010s434222
2020s377168

Meaning & origin

Harbor is a modern word name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2006. As of 2025, it ranks 2,957 with a frequency of 1 in 28,701 newborns, reflecting its rarity. The name saw a peak in 2021 and has been on a downward trend since 2022. It is used for both boys and girls, with notable usage in Florida and Texas. Like many word names, Harbor appeals to parents seeking a nature-inspired or place-related name that evokes safety and calm.

Harbor is a modern English word name derived from the noun harbor, meaning a sheltered port or refuge. It emerged as a given name in the United States in the early 2000s, likely influenced by the trend of using place names and evocative English words as first names. Its usage has remained uncommon, with a peak in 2021.

Where Harbor is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Har, Harbie

Variants: Harbour

Sibling names for Harbor

Names that share Harbor's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Sage, Willow, River, Wren, Meadow

Brothers: Ocean, Forest, Reed, Stone, Asher

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

H is for Harbor, our favorite little person.

H is for Harbor…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Harbor's letter becomes Harbor's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Harbor's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Harbor mean?
Harbor is an English word meaning a sheltered port or refuge. It is used as a given name without additional symbolic meaning.
How popular is the name Harbor?
In 2025, Harbor ranked 2,957 in the United States, with about 1 in every 28,701 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2021.
Is Harbor a boy's or girl's name?
Harbor is used as a unisex name, though it has been more common for girls in recent years.