MallowbyNames

Harman

HAR-mən · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Herman, meaning 'army man'.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,243
Babies named in 2025
9
Peak popularity
1883
2025 frequency
1 in 189,786 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2008

Declining since 2008, #8,243 for boys today.

Popularity of Harman since 1880

Babies named Harman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harman's real moment was 1883.

1121321880192019602000Most births 2008GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1880s019
1890s010
1900s00
1910s098
1920s0132
1930s0100
1940s048
1950s049
1960s021
1970s00
1980s011
1990s7129
2000s29242
2010s27142
2020s048

Meaning & origin

Harman first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1883. However, its trajectory has been largely falling since 2008, reflecting a long-term decline in usage. With an estimated 1 in 189,786 babies given the name in 2025, it remains a rare choice. The name's uncertain etymology contributes to its elusive charm, though it is often grouped with the more common Herman. Harman's top states are not recorded, suggesting it has not seen regional concentration. For parents seeking a distinctive name with historical roots, Harman offers a subtle Germanic heritage without widespread modern use.

Harman is believed to be a variant of Herman, from the Germanic elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man'. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and has been used since medieval times, though it remains relatively uncommon. Its spelling with an 'a' may have arisen from phonetic variation.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Harm, Manny

Variants: Herman, Hermann

Sibling names for Harman

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

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

H is for Harman, our favorite little boy.

H is for Harman…”

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

Make Harman's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Harman mean?
The meaning is uncertain; it is likely a variant of Herman, derived from Germanic elements meaning 'army man'.
How popular is the name Harman currently?
As of the latest data from 2025, Harman ranks #8243, with an estimated 1 in 189,786 newborns receiving the name.
Is Harman a boy's name or a girl's name?
Harman is predominantly used as a boy's name.