"grey hill, army hill"
Origin: Old English har + hlaw
Language: English
Harlow
Pronunciation: [ h-AHRL-oh ]
Does Harlow flow with your last name?
A Hollywood-forged name for the bold and glamorous
English
American
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Bold
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Strong
Earthy
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Harlow
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"rock hill, old hill"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Jean Harlow, the 1930s Hollywood actress — a female association that may concern parents choosing it for boys
The Story of Harlow
Harlow is an English surname derived from the Old English har (grey, old) + hlaw (hill, mound) meaning grey hill or army hill. It appears as a place name in Essex and West Yorkshire, England. As a given name, Harlow has traditionally been more feminine (owing to Jean Harlow) but has been crossing to boys, reflecting the broader trend of surname-derived names moving across gender lines.
Harlow gained prominence as a baby name for girls when Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their daughter Harlow in 2008. For boys, it has been rising as part of the vintage Hollywood surname trend alongside names like Marlowe and Bowie. Its gender-neutral quality appeals to modern parents.
Jean Harlow (1911-1937) was Hollywood's original Blonde Bombshell, one of the biggest stars of the 1930s. Her early death at 26 gave her name an air of glamorous tragedy. For boys, the name evokes English countryside heritage and a certain old-world style.
Historical Record
Harlow first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,242 babies have been named Harlow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Harlow is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,249 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jean Harlow became the first actress to appear on the cover of Life magazine
- Harlow is both a place in Essex, England and a famous town in West Yorkshire
Harlow in Other Languages
French
Harlow
German
Harlow
Spanish
Harlow
Popularity Over Time
#1,249
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 Nicole Richie and Joel Madden whose birth helped popularize the name for girls
J
Jean Harlow
Actor
1911
American actress and Hollywood's original Platinum Blonde, one of the biggest stars of the 1930s
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Compare Harlow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,249
- Total SSA Count
- 158
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Harl
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
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Harlow is also used as a girl name, ranked #293.
View Harlow as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harlow
What does the name Harlow mean?
"grey hill, army hill" (from Old English har + hlaw). "rock hill, old hill" (from Old English). Harlow is an English surname derived from the Old English har (grey, old) + hlaw (hill, mound) meaning grey hill or army hill. It appears as a place name in Essex and West Yorkshire, England. As a given name, Harlow has traditionally been more feminine (owing to Jean Harlow) but has been crossing to boys, reflecting the broader trend of surname-derived names moving across gender lines.
What is the origin of the name Harlow?
Harlow has Old English har + hlaw, Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English har + hlaw, it means "grey hill, army hill". In Old English, it means "rock hill, old hill".
Is Harlow a boy or girl name?
Harlow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1249. As a girl name, it is ranked #293. 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 #1249 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Harlow?
Common nicknames for Harlow include Harl and Harlo.
What are good middle names for Harlow?
Popular middle name pairings include Harlow James, Harlow Cash, Harlow Cole, Harlow Rye, Harlow Blue, and Harlow Fox.
What are good sibling names for Harlow?
Names that pair well with Harlow as siblings include Hendrix, Marlowe, Wilder, Lennon, Cleo, and Bowie.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #1249 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Harlow?
About the Name Harlow
Harlow is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "grey hill, army hill" in Old English har + hlaw .
Is Harlow a boy or girl name? Harlow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,249 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #293. Harlow is more commonly used as a girl name.
Harlow is currently ranked #1,249 in popularity for boy 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 Harl and Harlo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Harlow include Harlan, Harlem, Harley, Harlen, Harland . 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