Holding steady.
Popularity of Harl since 1880
Babies named Harl per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harl's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 95 |
| 1920s | 145 |
| 1930s | 133 |
| 1940s | 108 |
| 1950s | 61 |
| 1960s | 34 |
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Harl is a short, sturdy name with uncertain origins, likely a clipping of longer names like Harlan or Harley. It saw its peak usage in 1897, when it was most frequently given to boys during the 1890s. The name has never ranked in the top 1000 nationally, and its one-in-N figure is not available for recent years, reflecting its rarity. Despite its decline, the trajectory has been stable, with occasional births keeping it from disappearing entirely. Unlike more popular names of the era, Harl never established a strong presence in any particular state, limiting its regional identity. For parents seeking a vintage name that is both simple and uncommon, Harl offers a distinctive choice from the late 19th century.
Harl is likely a diminutive or short form of names such as Harley, Harlan, or Harlow, which have Old English roots. Harley derives from 'hara' (hare) and 'leah' (wood/clearing), while Harlan comes from 'hær' (stone) and 'land'. The name saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the 1890s, but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Harle
Sibling names for Harl
Names that share Harl's style, for a brother or sister.
