A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Harvey since 1880
Babies named Harvey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harvey's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,123 |
| 1890s | 2,822 |
| 1900s | 3,104 |
| 1910s | 13,304 |
| 1920s | 21,785 |
| 1930s | 19,906 |
| 1940s | 20,763 |
| 1950s | 14,247 |
| 1960s | 7,784 |
| 1970s | 3,908 |
| 1980s | 2,412 |
| 1990s | 1,655 |
| 2000s | 1,514 |
| 2010s | 5,499 |
| 2020s | 6,099 |
Meaning & origin
Harvey is a name with sturdy medieval roots that has experienced a notable resurgence in recent years. First recorded in the United States in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 1884, a time when strong, single-syllable nicknames like 'Harv' were common. After decades of decline, Harvey has been climbing again since 2002, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names from the late 19th century. In 2025, the name sits at rank 251 with a frequency of 1 in 1237 births. Its strongest popularity today is found in the states of Vermont, North Dakota, and Minnesota, which often favor traditional, less trendy names. This trajectory suggests Harvey is being rediscovered by parents seeking a name with both history and a solid, straightforward sound.
Harvey derives from the Breton name Haerviu, composed of haer 'battle, carnage' and viu 'worthy, deserving'. Introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest, it evolved into the Old French Hervé and was anglicized as Harvey. The name has been in consistent use in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.
Where Harvey 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.
“Harvey” around the world
Where Harvey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
18
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#51
in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#28
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: Harv, Har
Variants: Hervé, Haerviu
Sibling names for Harvey
Names that share Harvey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Martha, Nora, Rose, Vivian, Carlena, Ivery, Marlea, Delva, Hawley, Orena, Waverley, Arnella, Belvie, Burna, Cleva, Maesie, Parilee, Veverly
Brothers: Oscar, Walter, Albert, Ralph, Earl, Darwin, Barton, Cleveland, Walton, Coley, Hazen, Hurley, Mercer, Arvie, Hassel, Hillis, Hosey, Isham, Marven, Morey, Orvis, Rendell, Rigby, Beuford, Fernie, Harvel, Lowery, Raynor, Berley, Garvis, Lister, Velton
Names like Harvey
Names whose popularity has moved with Harvey's over the last 50 years.
