Declining since 1985, #775 for boys today.
Popularity of Harry since 1880
Babies named Harry per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harry's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 22,649 |
| 1890s | 21,330 |
| 1900s | 17,906 |
| 1910s | 65,874 |
| 1920s | 86,183 |
| 1930s | 53,115 |
| 1940s | 56,245 |
| 1950s | 43,335 |
| 1960s | 22,670 |
| 1970s | 11,654 |
| 1980s | 7,524 |
| 1990s | 5,406 |
| 2000s | 4,311 |
| 2010s | 3,603 |
| 2020s | 2,061 |
Meaning & origin
Harry is a stalwart of English given names, carrying a sense of familiarity and understated strength. In 2025, it held a rank of 775th in the United States, meaning approximately 1 in every 5,192 baby boys were given the name. This marks a continuation of its falling trajectory, which has been steady since a modern peak in 1985. Historically, the name was much more common: its highest-ever rank was in 1889, a period when it was among the top favorites for boys. While no longer a front-runner nationally, Harry still finds pockets of greater popularity, with Oklahoma, New York, and New Jersey being the states where it appeared most frequently in recent years. The name's enduring charm lies in its royal pedigree and approachable, friendly sound, making it a consistent choice across generations.
Harry originated as a medieval English diminutive of Henry, which itself derives from the Old Germanic name Heimirich, meaning 'home ruler' (from heim 'home' and ric 'ruler'). It was extremely popular among English kings, with eight monarchs bearing the name Henry, many of whom were familiarly known as Harry. The name gained widespread use in the English-speaking world and became an independent given name in its own right, long favored by British royalty and commoners alike.
Where Harry 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.
“Harry” around the world
Where Harry lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
150
babies in 2024
Ireland
#25
in 2025
New Zealand
#44
in 2025
Quebec
36
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#39
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hal, Hank
Sibling names for Harry
Names that share Harry's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Eleanor, Clara, Beatrice, Florence, Bette, Lizzie, Mamie, Nell, Nellie, Rosie, Addie, Bess, Bettie, Emmie, Hollie, Jemma, Kitty, Maudie, Merry, Millie, Mittie, Polly, Rosy, Rubye, Arrie, Darcey, Daysi, Dot, Karry, Kittie, Liddie, Lossie, Maisy, Milly, Molli, Pippa, Rella, Rosey, Rossie, Sadye, Tommi, Willia, Ardys, Besse, Chari, Cissy, Conny, Dory, Gradie, Hally, Jinnie, Katye, Maisey, Mazzie, Meggie, Mintie, Perrie, Rosi, Sissy, Azzie, Charlei, Dally, Elsye, Evva, Harryette, Hendy, Hetty, Jossie, Pegge, Rubby, Rudie, Sadee, Tilley, Daisee, Daissy, Daisymae, Farra, Francy, Ketty, Lil, Lillymae, Maidie, Marg, Millee, Rubyrose, Tacie, Winni
Brothers: George, Arthur, Edward, Charles, Frederick, Charlie, Eddie, Fred, Guy, Larry, Ollie, Tom, Abe, Art, Barney, Dick, Edson, Freddy, Fredie, Garry, Lenny, Louie, Robbie, Roby, Rudy, Garey, Geary, Geo, Micky, Rich, Ritchie, Albie, Alfie, Berl, Budd, Earley, Guss, Hardie, Jessey, Moe, Moody, Parry, Phill, Pryor, Ruddy, Bary, Alby, Tommey
Names like Harry
Names whose popularity has moved with Harry's over the last 50 years.
