Harlem Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationHAR-ləm / /ˈhɑːr.ləm/English; Dutch
Meaning
English: 'home' or 'dweller by the river'; Dutch: 'harrow' or 'to plow'
Historical & Cultural Background
Harlem is primarily associated with the neighborhood in New York City, known for its rich African American cultural history. The name has been used as a given name since the 20th century, reflecting a sense of place and identity. It gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, music, and literature.
Trend Summary
The name Harlem has seen a modest rise in popularity in the United States, particularly in urban areas.
Similar Names
Variants
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International Variants
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Famous people named Harlem
Harlem Globetrotters: A professional basketball team known for their entertaining style and athleticism.
Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement that celebrated African American culture and arts in the early 20th century.
Fictional characters named Harlem
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Harlem was first seen in the United States in 1975. Harlem has ranked as high as #1124 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Harlem has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Harlem (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 30 | |
| CA | 17 | |
| LA | 15 | |
| NC | 14 | |
| MI | 13 | |
| OH | 13 | |
| GA | 10 | |
| FL | 9 | |
| VA | 9 | |
| AL | 8 | |
| NY | 8 | |
| MD | 8 | |
| TN | 6 | |
| AR | 5 | |
| SC | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1975 | 5 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 11 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 33 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 51 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 86 |
| 2010 | 103 |
| 2011 | 88 |
| 2012 | 95 |
| 2013 | 160 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 203 |
| 2016 | 184 |
| 2017 | 176 |
| 2018 | 210 |
| 2019 | 242 |
| 2020 | 248 |
| 2021 | 240 |
| 2022 | 237 |
| 2023 | 254 |
| 2024 | 220 |