A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hardy since 1880
Babies named Hardy per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hardy's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 191 |
| 1890s | 194 |
| 1900s | 188 |
| 1910s | 549 |
| 1920s | 958 |
| 1930s | 598 |
| 1940s | 737 |
| 1950s | 554 |
| 1960s | 432 |
| 1970s | 268 |
| 1980s | 193 |
| 1990s | 161 |
| 2000s | 180 |
| 2010s | 312 |
| 2020s | 299 |
Meaning & origin
Hardy is a name that conveys strength and courage. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 2,480 in 2025, with 1 in 31,631 boys receiving the name. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 1998. Hardy was most common in the 1890s, with a revival in recent years. Top states include Florida and Texas. The name's Old French and Germanic roots connect it to a heritage of boldness, making it a solid choice for parents seeking a name with character.
Hardy is derived from the Old French 'hardi' meaning 'bold, courageous'. It was introduced to England by the Normans and used as a nickname for a brave person. The name also has Germanic roots from 'hard' meaning 'strong, hardy'.
Where Hardy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Har
Variants: Hardie, Hardey
Sibling names for Hardy
Names that share Hardy's style, for a brother or sister.
