Harlow
Say it: HAR-lo
Girl and boyMeans usually explained as "rock hill" or "army hill"6 letters2 syllables
#544
in Ireland (2025)
#528 with spellings combined
6
babies in 2025
#227
best rank (2023)
142
babies since 2011
Down 64
10-year rank change
Harlow through the years
Compare with another name →girlsboys
Show the numbers
| Year | Babies (girls) | Rank | Babies (boys) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | #528 | - | - |
| 2024 | 15 | #279 | 3 | #748 |
| 2023 | 18 | #227 | - | - |
| 2022 | 16 | #269 | 4 | #634 |
| 2021 | 18 | #252 | - | - |
| 2020 | 12 | #335 | - | - |
| 2019 | 11 | #360 | - | - |
| 2018 | 11 | #385 | 3 | #703 |
| 2017 | 4 | #736 | - | - |
| 2016 | 7 | #518 | 3 | #713 |
| 2015 | 9 | #464 | - | - |
| 2014 | 3 | #869 | - | - |
| 2013 | 3 | #894 | - | - |
| 2012 | 4 | #769 | - | - |
| 2011 | 5 | #693 | - | - |
Source: CSO, Irish Babies' Names (VSA50, VSA60), CC BY 4.0.
★ What does Harlow mean?
Usually explained as "rock hill" or "army hill"
English, from a surname and place name, from Old English words for rock or army and hill.
Say it right
HARlo
The story of Harlow
Harlow is an English place name and surname. It is usually explained as coming from Old English hlaw, a hill or mound, joined with either hær, rock, or here, army. The best-known place is the town of Harlow in Essex. The Hollywood actress Jean Harlow took it as her stage name in the 1920s.
Like Harper, it is one of a group of surnames that have recently become girls’ names, although a small number of boys are given it too.
In Ireland, Harlow first reached the CSO list for girls in 2011. Its busiest year was 2021, with 18 girls, and its best rank was number 227 in 2023. In Northern Ireland it reached number 152 in 2022. It has been quieter since, with 6 girls in 2025.
Say it differently where you're from, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Sources
- Wiktionary: Harlow (English proper noun)
- Wikipedia: Harlow (given name)
- CSO VSA60, Girls Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
- CSO VSA50, Boys Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
- NISRA, First Forenames Given to Babies Registered in Northern Ireland
At a glance
Similar names
Sibling ideas
Spellings counted here
| Spelling | 2025 | All years |
|---|---|---|
| Harlow | 6 | 142 |
In Northern Ireland
#334 in 2025 with 4 babies. Best rank #152 (2022); 66 babies since 2016.
Source: NISRA, Open Government Licence.
Harlow is also given to boys: 13 since 2016.