"rock hill, rocky mound"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Harlow
Pronunciation: [ h-AHRL-oh ]
Does Harlow flow with your last name?
Old Hollywood glamour with a modern edge
English
American
Vintage
Bold
Glamorous
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Harlow
Harlow is an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning 'army hill' (here + hlaw) or possibly 'rock hill.' It originated as a place name in Essex and West Yorkshire, England, becoming a surname for families from those areas. As with many English surnames, it crossed over to first-name use in the 20th century, powerfully boosted by the Hollywood icon Jean Harlow.
Harlow exploded as a baby name for girls in the 2010s, driven by celebrity endorsement — Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their daughter Harlow in 2008, and the name has risen steadily since. Its vintage-glamour association with 1930s film star Jean Harlow gives it a retro-chic appeal.
Jean Harlow, 'The Blonde Bombshell,' was one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 1930s, making Harlow synonymous with platinum-blonde glamour and wit. The name carries an unmistakable cinematic cool that sets it apart from purely traditional choices.
Historical Record
Harlow first appeared in US Social Security records in 2002.
Over 13,001 babies have been named Harlow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Harlow is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #293 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jean Harlow was the first actress to appear on the cover of Life magazine in 1937
- Nicole Richie and Joel Madden helped popularize Harlow as a girl's name in 2008
- Harlow, Essex was the site of one of Britain's first post-WWII planned new towns
Harlow in Other Languages
French
Harlow
English
Harlow
Spanish
Harlow
Japanese
ハーロウ
Popularity Over Time
#293
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Harlow
H
Harlow Madden
Other
2008
Daughter of celebrity couple Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte musician Joel Madden
J
Jean Harlow
Actor
1911
Legendary Hollywood actress of the 1930s known as 'The Blonde Bombshell'
H
Harlow Fictional
Other
Title character in Harlow (2015 biopic film) played by Kelli Garner
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Compare Harlow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #293
- Total SSA Count
- 1,079
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Harli
Lo
Harlo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Harlow
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Harlow is also used as a boy name, ranked #1249.
View Harlow as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harlow
What does the name Harlow mean?
"rock hill, rocky mound" (from Old English). Harlow is an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning 'army hill' (here + hlaw) or possibly 'rock hill.' It originated as a place name in Essex and West Yorkshire, England, becoming a surname for families from those areas. As with many English surnames, it crossed over to first-name use in the 20th century, powerfully boosted by the Hollywood icon Jean Harlow.
What is the origin of the name Harlow?
Harlow has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "rock hill, rocky mound".
Is Harlow a boy or girl name?
Harlow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #293. As a boy name, it is ranked #1249. Harlow is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Harlow?
Harlow is pronounced h-AHRL-oh.
How popular is the name Harlow?
Harlow is currently ranked #293 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Harlow?
Common nicknames for Harlow include Harli and Harlo.
What are good middle names for Harlow?
Popular middle name pairings include Harlow Grace, Harlow Jane, Harlow Rose, Harlow Kate, Harlow Quinn, Harlow Sage, and Harlow Jade.
What are good sibling names for Harlow?
Names that pair well with Harlow as siblings include Marlowe, Arlo, Scout, Lennon, Bowie, Wren, and Beckett.
How many syllables does Harlow have?
Harlow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Harlow a common or rare name?
Harlow is a popular name, ranked #293 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Harlow?
About the Name Harlow
Harlow is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "rock hill, rocky mound" in Old English .
Is Harlow a boy or girl name? Harlow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #293 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,249. Harlow is more commonly used as a girl name.
Harlow is currently ranked #293 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Harlow has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AHRL-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Harlow include Harli, Lo, and Harlo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Harlow include Harley, Harlee, Harlem, Harlyn, Harleigh . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis