"battle worthy"
Origin: Old Breton
Language: English
Harvey
Pronunciation: [ h-AHRV-ee ]
Does Harvey flow with your last name?
A Breton warrior name making a stylish comeback
English
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Meaning & Origin
"blazing iron"
Origin: Breton
Language: French
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Harvey Weinstein since 2017 — the Me Too movement has complicated this name for some parents
The Story of Harvey
Harvey comes from the Old Breton name 'Haerveu' or 'Aeruiu,' meaning 'battle worthy' or 'blazing iron.' It was brought to England by the Normans after the 1066 conquest and remained popular throughout the medieval period. The name fell out of fashion in the mid-20th century but has staged a spectacular comeback in the UK and Australia, where it regularly ranks among the top 20 boys' names, driven by nostalgia for Victorian-era names with substance.
Harvey experienced a sharp revival in the UK starting around 2010, fueled by cultural nostalgia for sturdy, old-fashioned names. It entered the UK top 10 around 2018. In the US, its revival has been slower due to high-profile negative associations from 2017, though it remains beloved for parents who favor vintage British names.
Harvey has strong working-class British roots associated with the industrial age. In the US, it was popular in the early 20th century and is immortalized in the classic 1950 film Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart, where Harvey is the name of a six-foot invisible rabbit — a beloved cultural touchstone.
Historical Record
Harvey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 41,722 babies have been named Harvey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Harvey is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #244 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Harvey is currently a top-10 boys' name in England and Wales
- The French form Herve is still widely used in France and Brittany today
- The 1950 film Harvey features an imaginary six-foot rabbit named Harvey, beloved by Jimmy Stewart's character
Harvey in Other Languages
Breton
Haerviu
French
Herve
German
Harvey
English
Harvey
Popularity Over Time
#244
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Harvey
H
Harvey Keitel
Actor
1939
Acclaimed American actor known for Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and The Piano
H
Harvey Dent / Two-Face Fictional
Other
Gotham City's district attorney turned coin-flipping villain in DC Comics' Batman universe
H
Harvey Specter Fictional
Other
Brilliant Manhattan attorney and self-described best closer in New York City in the TV series Suits
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #244
- Total SSA Count
- 1,441
- Cultural Origins
- English British Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Harv
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Harvey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Harvey is also used as a girl name, ranked #5052.
View Harvey as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harvey
What does the name Harvey mean?
"battle worthy" (from Old Breton). "blazing iron" (from Breton). Harvey comes from the Old Breton name 'Haerveu' or 'Aeruiu,' meaning 'battle worthy' or 'blazing iron.' It was brought to England by the Normans after the 1066 conquest and remained popular throughout the medieval period. The name fell out of fashion in the mid-20th century but has staged a spectacular comeback in the UK and Australia, where it regularly ranks among the top 20 boys' names, driven by nostalgia for Victorian-era names with substance.
What is the origin of the name Harvey?
Harvey has Old Breton, Breton, English, British, Irish, and American origins. In Old Breton, it means "battle worthy". In Breton, it means "blazing iron".
Is Harvey a boy or girl name?
Harvey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #244. As a girl name, it is ranked #5052. Harvey is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Harvey?
Harvey is pronounced h-AHRV-ee.
How popular is the name Harvey?
Harvey is currently ranked #244 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Harvey?
Common nicknames for Harvey include Harv.
What are good middle names for Harvey?
Popular middle name pairings include Harvey James, Harvey William, Harvey Thomas, Harvey George, Harvey Edward, and Harvey Jack.
What are good sibling names for Harvey?
Names that pair well with Harvey as siblings include Archie, Walter, Edmund, Violet, Nora, and Stella.
How many syllables does Harvey have?
Harvey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Harvey a common or rare name?
Harvey is a popular name, ranked #244 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Harvey?
Are there other spellings for Harvey?
Related spellings include Harvin.
About the Name Harvey
Harvey is a boy name with English, British, Irish, and American origins . The name means "battle worthy" in Old Breton .
Is Harvey a boy or girl name? Harvey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #244 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,052. Harvey is more commonly used as a boy name.
Harvey is currently ranked #244 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Harvey has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AHRV-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Harvey include Harv. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Harvey include Harvin . 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