Harlem Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Harlem originates from the Dutch city Haarlem, meaning 'high sandy ground'. The name evolved from Haarlem in Dutch to Harlem in English. It carries traits of cultural richness and historical significance, particularly in relation to the arts and the African American community. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name.
The name Harlem is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy 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, Harlem has been falling for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, 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 male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Harlem' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10718th out of 10718 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2745th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 994th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8681st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1794th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Harlem' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Harlem"
Pronunciation
/ˈhɑːrləm/
Origin
Dutch
Etymology
The name 'Harlem' is derived from the Dutch city of Haarlem, which itself comes from the Old Dutch 'Haarlo', meaning 'high sandy ground'.
Meaning
high sandy ground
Language Evolution
Haarlem (Dutch), Haarlo (Old Dutch), Harlem (English)
Historical Usage
The name Harlem gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century, especially after the establishment of Harlem as a neighborhood in New York City.
Variants & Derivatives
Harlem, Haarlem
Modern Popularity & Image
Harlem is often associated with cultural significance, especially in relation to the Harlem Renaissance, a period of African American cultural flourishing in the early 20th century.
Famous People
Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Malcolm X
Explore More Harlem Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Harlem"
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 "Harlem"
"Harlem" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2745th of 24088 | 623 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 994th of 23106 | 2,571 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8681st of 35406 | 196 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1794th of 30306 | 1,400 |
Regional Popularity of "Harlem" 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) |
46.70% 2140th/4582 |
54.69% 2824th/5164 |
31.01% 2268th/7313 |
34.49% 2574th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
23.90% 952nd/3984 |
26.12% 1172nd/4487 |
11.93% 814th/6822 |
21.65% 1359th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Harlem" 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) |
94.98% 4352nd/4582 |
- |
94.65% 6922nd/7313 |
87.11% 6501st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
40.29% 1605th/3984 |
51.28% 2301st/4487 |
20.64% 1408th/6822 |
45.43% 2851st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Harlem"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Harlem" 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.