Harbor Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Harbor' originates from Old English, meaning 'shelter' or 'refuge'. It evolved through various historical forms, reflecting its maritime significance. The term is not biblically relevant, but has been widely used since the Middle Ages in relation to safe havens for ships. Today, it is perceived positively, associated with safety and coastal imagery.
The name Harbor is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Harbor has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Harbor' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11921st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3879th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15496th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2872nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Harbor' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Harbor"
Pronunciation
/ˈhɑːrbər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Harbor' comes from the Old English word 'herebeorht', which means 'shelter' or 'refuge'. The term evolved through Middle English before taking its current form.
Meaning
shelter, refuge
Language Evolution
Herebeorht (Old English), Herberch (Middle English), Harbor (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The term 'harbor' has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe a safe place for ships, and it gained popularity as maritime trade expanded.
Variants & Derivatives
Harbour (British English variant), Harborage
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name 'Harbor' conjures images of safety and protection, often associated with maritime themes and coastal living.
Famous People
N/A
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Harbor"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Harbor"
"Harbor" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11921st of 24088 | 58 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3879th of 23106 | 331 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15496th of 35406 | 72 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2872nd of 30306 | 710 |
Regional Popularity of "Harbor" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
59.57% 4064th/6822 |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Harbor" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
82.61% 3291st/3984 |
- |
41.20% 2811th/6822 |
65.34% 4101st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Harbor"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Harbor" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.