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Origin and meaning of the name Harlow

What is the origin of the name Harlow?

The origin of the name Harlow is Old English, derived from a place name meaning "hare town" or "hare hollow". It was traditionally given to boys but has been used as a unisex name since the 20th century. A notable person with the surname Harlow is the American actor and singer Charles Harlow Jr., who was popularly known as Charlie Chaplin.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Harlow

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Harlow

The given name Harlow is primarily of English origin, stemming from an Old English term "heorot-hlaw," which translates to "hart or stag hill." The hart was considered as a symbol of courage and strength in Anglo-Saxon culture, while the hill signified elevation or prominence. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Harlowe, Harle, and Harley.

The surname Harlow gained notability through John Harlow, a 13th-century English knight who fought during the Crusades. The name's fame was further boosted in the modern era by actress Jean Harlow (1911-1937), who starred in films such as "Platinum Blonde" and "Red-Headed Woman." Due to its unique historical roots and celebrity association, Harlow has remained a popular choice for both males and females across the English-speaking world.

Character traits associated with the name Harlow

Harlow, as a name, is often associated with individuals who possess a strong sense of independence and resilience. These individuals are known for their outgoing and vivacious personalities, capable of captivating any room they enter. They are creative thinkers, often expressing themselves through various artistic mediums such as writing, music, or visual arts. Harlow's can be charismatic leaders, yet also empathetic listeners, understanding the feelings of others and providing support when needed. They possess a keen intellect and are quick learners, using their knowledge to tackle challenges with determination and tenacity. However, they may also exhibit impulsiveness at times, requiring guidance to channel their energy effectively. Overall, Harlow individuals are dynamic, versatile, and possess a unique blend of creativity, intelligence, and warmth.

Popularity of the name Harlow

The given name Harlow is not among the most frequently used names in English-speaking countries. In the United States, for instance, it ranks outside the top 1000 baby names from 2000 to 2019 according to the Social Security Administration data. However, the popularity of the name does vary over time and geographically. It saw a surge in usage in the mid-1960s, likely due to the fame of actress Carroll Baker, who named her daughter Harlow, and the passing of Hollywood icon Jean Harlow during that period. Nonetheless, it remains a relatively uncommon name in contemporary times.

Famous people with the name Harlow

Harlow is a name associated with renowned figures across various fields, primarily entertainment and fashion. In film, Carol Harlow gained recognition as an actress during the silent movie era, while Shia LaBeouf, born Robert James Harlow, achieved fame in the 21st century for his roles in movies like "Even Stevens" and "Transformers." Model-turned-actress Jessica Harlow also garnered attention in the fashion world before transitioning to acting. On the musical front, Harlow Wilde Band was a successful band in the 1970s, known for hits like "Runaway." Lastly, Pauline Esther Friedman Harlow, widely recognized as Betty Hahn Harlow, made significant contributions to psychology and child development through her pioneering research on attachment theory. These individuals demonstrate the versatility of the name Harlow across different spheres of influence.

Variations of the name Harlow

The given name Harlow has several variations, offering different spellings and pronunciations. Some of these include Harlo, Harleigh, Harley, Harloy, Harloe, Harlie, Harlowe, Harly, and Arlo. These versions can be found across various cultures, with the most common being American in origin. The name Harlow is often associated with strength, courage, and leadership, derived from the Old English word "heoru" meaning "army" or "war-like." It can also be a unisex name, having been used for both boys and girls throughout history. Despite the variations in spelling and pronunciation, all versions of Harlow share a rich historical background and a strong, warrior-like connotation.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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