Harlee Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: HAR-lee //ˈhɑːrli//
Origin: English; American
Meaning: English: Hare meadow; American: Variant of Harley
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Harlee is of English origin, derived from a combination of the Old English elements "hare," meaning 'hare' (the animal), and "leah," meaning 'wood' or 'clearing.' This etymological foundation suggests a literal meaning of 'hare's meadow' or 'clearing where hares are found.' The name evolved through various forms, with the earliest instances appearing in medieval England, where it was used as both a surname and a given name. The transition into a first name can be traced back to the 19th century, as English naming conventions began to embrace surnames as first names, a trend that gained momentum during this period.
Historically, names similar to Harlee have been recorded in various forms, such as Harley, which has notable historical significance. The name Harley appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its presence in England during the Norman Conquest.
Additionally, the name is associated with several notable figures, including the 18th-century poet and politician Robert Harley, who served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain. The name's literary and political connections contributed to its recognition and usage in English-speaking cultures.
Culturally, Harlee and its variants have been embraced for their pastoral connotations, evoking imagery of nature and tranquility. The association with the hare, a symbol of fertility and rebirth in various cultures, adds to the name's resonance.
The name has also been linked to themes of freedom and agility, reflecting the characteristics of the animal itself. While diminutive forms like Harley have gained some recognition, Harlee stands out as a distinct variant that encapsulates a blend of historical depth and natural imagery.
Fictional characters named Harlee
The following list of fictional characters named Harlee is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Harlee is a fictional character from the TV series Shades of Blue. She is an undercover cop who struggles with the moral complexities of her job while trying to protect her daughter.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Harlee, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Harlee. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Harlee was first seen in the United States in 1950.
Harlee has ranked as high as #920 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Georgia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Harlee has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Harlee is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Harlee was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Harlee (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 25 | |
| TX | 24 | |
| GA | 15 | |
| NC | 11 | |
| LA | 10 | |
| AZ | 10 | |
| FL | 9 | |
| IL | 9 | |
| AR | 9 | |
| OH | 9 | |
| PA | 9 | |
| MO | 8 | |
| IN | 8 | |
| MN | 8 | |
| AL | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Harlee.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 264 |
| 2023 | 290 |
| 2022 | 318 |
| 2021 | 363 |
| 2020 | 364 |
| 2019 | 390 |
| 2018 | 473 |
| 2017 | 482 |
| 2016 | 464 |
| 2015 | 333 |
| 2014 | 302 |
| 2013 | 267 |
| 2012 | 265 |
| 2011 | 217 |
| 2010 | 214 |
| 2009 | 217 |
| 2008 | 219 |
| 2007 | 205 |
| 2006 | 197 |
| 2005 | 217 |
| 2004 | 190 |
| 2003 | 166 |
| 2002 | 163 |
| 2001 | 135 |
| 2000 | 156 |
| 1999 | 140 |
| 1998 | 118 |
| 1997 | 107 |
| 1996 | 103 |
| 1995 | 106 |
| 1994 | 130 |
| 1993 | 80 |
| 1992 | 60 |
| 1991 | 28 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1950 | 6 |