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Harvey Boy

Popularity: #233 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationHAR-vee / /ˈhɑːrvi/

Old French; Germanic

Meaning

Old French: 'battle worthy'; Germanic: 'strong army'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Harvey has its roots in the Old Breton name "Haerviu," which is composed of the elements "haer," meaning "battle," and "viu," meaning "worthy" or "brave." This name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066, evolving through various forms such as "Herve" in Old French before becoming established in Middle English as "Harvey." The transition into English was facilitated by the cultural exchanges and linguistic influences that accompanied the Norman rule, embedding the name within the English-speaking populace.

Historically, the name Harvey is associated with Saint Harvey, a Breton saint from the 6th century, who is venerated in Brittany, France. His legacy contributed to the name's spread, particularly in the regions of England with strong ties to Brittany. The name also appears in various historical texts and records, including the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is noted in the context of land ownership and lineage, indicating its early adoption among the Anglo-Norman aristocracy.

Culturally, the name Harvey has been linked to notions of valor and nobility, resonating with the qualities suggested by its etymological roots. It has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, symbolizing strength and honor. The diminutive form "Harv" has also emerged, though it is less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, the name Harvey carries a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting the intertwining of language, history, and identity in medieval England.

Trend Summary

Harvey has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, experiencing a resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Harvie
  • Harv

International Variants

  • Harvey (English)
  • Harvée (French)

Famous people named Harvey

Harvey Weinstein is a film producer best known for Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, and The King's Speech.

Harvey Keitel is an actor best known for Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and The Piano.

Harvey Fierstein is an actor and playwright best known for Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, and Hairspray.

Harvey Milk is a civil rights activist best known for being one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States.

Fictional characters named Harvey

Harvey is a fictional character from the play and film Harvey. He is an imaginary rabbit that only Elwood P. Dowd can see, representing themes of friendship and mental health.

Harvey Dent is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe. He is a prominent district attorney in Gotham City who becomes the villain Two-Face after a tragic accident.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Harvey was first seen in the United States in 1880. Harvey has ranked as high as #202 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Harvey has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Harvey (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 120
9%
CA 109
8%
MN 72
5%
FL 67
5%
NY 63
5%
UT 60
4%
MI 59
4%
OH 58
4%
PA 56
4%
WI 51
4%
WA 49
4%
MO 42
3%
NC 40
3%
GA 37
3%
IL 36
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880344
1881282
1882300
1883318
1884358
1885304
1886310
1887262
1888334
1889311
1890296
1891274
1892298
1893284
1894293
1895282
1896292
1897268
1898284
1899251
1900322
1901253
1902264
1903293
1904300
1905286
1906351
1907335
1908339
1909361
1910382
1911446
1912875
19131,028
19141,250
19151,613
19161,763
19171,808
19182,111
19192,028
19202,165
19212,287
19222,207
19232,115
19242,242
19252,190
19262,128
19272,201
19282,187
19292,063
19302,062
19311,978
19322,030
19331,896
19341,934
19351,958
19361,970
19372,081
19382,051
19391,946
19402,088
19412,017
19422,284
19432,244
19441,951
19451,974
19462,058
19472,207
19482,004
19491,936
19501,811
19511,642
19521,594
19531,535
19541,460
19551,289
19561,379
19571,278
19581,178
19591,082
19601,001
1961958
1962859
1963887
1964865
1965722
1966661
1967623
1968630
1969577
1970542
1971495
1972443
1973401
1974425
1975339
1976327
1977319
1978320
1979298
1980284
1981285
1982254
1983259
1984206
1985233
1986189
1987216
1988254
1989232
1990214
1991191
1992177
1993180
1994170
1995145
1996142
1997153
1998139
1999143
2000162
2001134
2002138
2003139
2004153
2005162
2006143
2007151
2008145
2009181
2010189
2011250
2012288
2013406
2014578
2015697
2016778
2017856
2018683
2019773
2020714
2021733
2022794
20231,028
20241,441