Harvey: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced HAR-vee · 2 syllables
Harvey means “iron; blazing”, from Welsh.
From Haerviu, name of a Breton saint, from Old Breton hoiarn (“iron”) + viu (“blazing”). Cognate with modern Breton Haerviu. In Ireland, used as an anglicisation of Irish O hAirmheadhaigh and O hEarchaidh. The civil parish in New Brunswick is probably named in honour of British colonial administrator John Harvey (1778 - 1852).
- Meaning
- iron; blazing
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- HAR-vee
- US rank (2025)
- #251
- US babies a year
- about 1,115 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Classic
How popular is Harvey?
Harvey was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,400 babies. It’s rising: up 149% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #251 |
| England & Wales | #86 |
| Scotland | #150 |
| Northern Ireland | #111 |
| Ireland | #247 |
| Canada | #269 |
| Australia | #17 |
How old are people named Harvey?
Half of US adults named Harvey are older than 71; most are between 31 and 89. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Harvey
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Harvey
What does the name Harvey mean?
Harvey means “iron; blazing”. It comes from Welsh.
How do you pronounce Harvey?
Harvey is pronounced HAR-vee.
How popular is the name Harvey?
Harvey was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,400 babies. It’s rising: up 149% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Harvey?
Half of US adults named Harvey are older than 71. Most are between 31 and 89.