Harlow Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

Harlow is a name that manages to pull off a difficult balancing act: it feels incredibly modern and trendy, yet it is steeped in Old Hollywood glamour. For decades, this name was associated almost exclusively with the Platinum Blonde bombshell, Jean Harlow. Today, however, it has shed its “stage name” exclusivity to become a favorite among parents seeking a moniker that is sophisticated, spunky, and undeniably cool. It possesses a “boho-chic” vibe, rugged due to its topographical meaning, yet soft in its phonetic flow.

Historically an English surname, Harlow has transitioned seamlessly into first-name territory, riding the wave of “surname-as-first-name” popularity alongside peers like Harper and Hudson. While technically gender-neutral, the modern iteration of Harlow has found a comfortable home on the girls’ charts, offering a distinct alternative to the floral and frilly names of the previous decade.

Verdict: Harlow is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “cool factor” of a modern surname with the vintage credibility of the 1930s. It is established enough to be recognized immediately, yet it retains an air of artistic individuality.

What Does Harlow Mean?

At first glance, Harlow seems to be a straightforward nature name, but its etymology is rooted in the rugged landscape of ancient England. It is a locational name derived from the Old English elements hær, meaning “rock” or “pile of rocks,” and hlaw, meaning “hill” or “mound.”

Therefore, the most accurate translation is “from the rocky hill.” In some interpretations, the first element is linked to here, meaning “army” or “host,” which would translate to “army hill,” though the “rocky” definition is the most widely accepted among etymologists.

The name is also inextricably linked to the town of Harlow in the county of Essex, England. For families with British roots, the name can serve as a nod to heritage. Today, the meaning has evolved beyond the literal landscape; it connotes strength (rock) and elevation (hill), making it a powerful choice for a modern child.

Where Does the Name Harlow Come From?

Harlow originated as a habitational surname. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, individuals were often identified by the town they came from or the topography of their land. Someone living on or near the “rocky hill” would be referred to as “de Harlow” (of Harlow).

Historically, it remained a surname for centuries. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that it gained visibility through the actress Jean Harlow (born Harlean Harlow Carpenter), who adopted it as her stage name. However, even then, it did not catch on as a given name for babies. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Harlow crossed the bridge from surname to a popular first name, driven largely by American naming trends that favor surnames like Madison, Taylor, and Mackenzie.

How Popular is the Name Harlow?

Harlow is a textbook example of a “modern hit.” If you look at Social Security Administration data from the 20th century, the name was virtually non-existent as a first name. It was a sleeper hit waiting for its moment.

That moment arrived in 2008 when celebrity Nicole Richie named her daughter Harlow. The name immediately vaulted onto the US charts, debuting in the top 1000 the following year. Since then, it has been on a meteoric rise, quickly bypassing similar names to settle comfortably within the top 300 names for girls.

While it has plateaued slightly, transforming from a “trendy” name to a “modern staple,” it remains a stylish choice. It is currently a favorite in English-speaking countries, particularly in the US, UK, and Australia.

How Do I Pronounce Harlow?

Harlow is pronounced phonetically as HARR-low.

The emphasis falls firmly on the first syllable. The “low” sound rhymes with “go” or “slow.” It should be spoken with a soft, flowing cadence. It is worth noting that in certain British dialects, the “H” may be softened, but in standard American English, the “H” is aspirated and clear.

Is Harlow a Boy or Girl Name?

Technically, Harlow is a unisex name. Like most surnames (Parker, Riley, Cameron), it does not have an inherent gender.

However, in terms of modern usage, Harlow is predominantly a girl’s name. The association with the glamorous Jean Harlow, combined with the “o” ending trend for girls (like Willow and Margot), has tipped the scales. While you will find boys named Harlow (often inspired by the rapper Jack Harlow), they are statistically much rarer. If you are looking for a boy’s name with a similar sound, “Arlo” is the current masculine favorite.

Variations of Harlow

Because Harlow is an English surname, it does not have true “foreign” variations in languages like Spanish or French. However, there are historical spellings and modern stylizations:

• Harlowe: An increasingly popular spelling that adds an “e” to the end. This adds a bit of literary flair and femininity, similar to “Anne” vs. “Ann.”
• Herlawe: The Middle English spelling, largely archaic now but historically significant.
• Harlo: A truncated, modern spelling that fits the minimalist trend.

Nicknames for Harlow

Harlow is a short, two-syllable name, which often means nicknames aren’t required. However, parents love to shorten names for affection. Here are common and creative options:

• Lo: The most intuitive and chic nickname.
• Lola: A spunky, vintage nickname derived from the “Low” sound.
• Harley: A slightly edgier option, sharing the first syllable.
• Ari: A creative stretch, pulling from the middle vowel sound.
• Coco: A playful option referencing the high-fashion/glamour vibe of the name.
• H: Simple and to the point.

Names Similar to Harlow

If you love the vibe of Harlow, that mix of surname, vintage glamour, and nature, but want something slightly different, consider these alternatives:

• Willow: Shares the soft “low” ending and nature connection but feels slightly more bohemian.
• Marlowe: The closest rhyming cousin to Harlow. It feels slightly more literary (think Christopher Marlowe) and less Hollywood.
• Monroe: Another surname heavily associated with a blonde Hollywood icon (Marilyn). It carries the same sophisticated, retro appeal.
• Piper: shares the spunky, high-energy surname feel.
• Arlo: The masculine counterpart that is rapidly rising for boys (and occasionally girls).
• Hadley: A preppy, polished surname-name that shares the “H” beginning.
• Harper: The mega-hit of the surname trend; very similar in sound but much more popular.
• Greta: If you are attracted to the “Old Hollywood” vintage glamour aspect of Harlow.

Middle Names for Harlow

Harlow is a strong name that pairs well with a variety of middle names. Because it ends in a vowel sound, it often flows best with a middle name that starts with a consonant.

Vintage & Glamorous

These pairings lean into the Jean Harlow Hollywood era, creating a name that feels red-carpet ready.

• Harlow Jean (The classic tribute)
• Harlow Grace
• Harlow Pearl
• Harlow Louise
• Harlow Beatrice

Short & Sweet

A one-syllable middle name often provides the best rhythm with the two-syllable Harlow.

• Harlow James (A trendy gender-neutral pairing)
• Harlow June
• Harlow Rose
• Harlow Wren
• Harlow Blair

Modern & Edgy

For parents who want to emphasize the cool, rock-and-roll vibe of the name.

• Harlow Lux
• Harlow Winter
• Harlow Phoenix
• Harlow Quinn
• Harlow Sloane

Sibling Names for Harlow

Building a sibset around Harlow is fun because the name is so versatile. You want names that feel established but current.

For a Brother

Boys’ names that pair well with Harlow usually fall into the “soft masculine” or “surname” categories.

• Oliver: Classic, popular, and shares the “L” and “O” sounds.
• Hudson: Another H-name that is rugged and topographical (the river).
• Brooks: Short, punchy, and sophisticated.
• Hayes: A presidential surname that sounds effortlessly cool next to Harlow.
• Liam: A chart-topper that balances the trendy feel of Harlow.
• Jasper: Shares the vintage, slightly British vibe.

For a Sister

Sister names should match Harlow’s spunky, non-frilly femininity.

• Everly: A modern favorite with a similar rhythmic flow.
• Ruby: Vintage, sassy, and full of color.
• Isla: Short, vowel-heavy, and incredibly stylish.
• Stella: Means “star,” which pairs lovely with the Hollywood vibe of Harlow.
• Hazel: Another nature/vintage name that has made a huge comeback.
• Sutton: If you want to double down on the surname trend.

Famous People Named Harlow

While many people carry this as a last name, the list of famous first-name Harlows is growing as the generation born after 2008 begins to grow up.

• Jean Harlow: The original Platinum Blonde. Born Harlean Carpenter, she became the sex symbol of the 1930s and is the primary reason the name possesses such a glamorous aura.
• Jack Harlow: A major influence on the name’s modern “cool,” he is an American rapper and songwriter who skyrocketed to fame with hits like “What’s Poppin.”
• Harlow Winter Kate Madden: The daughter of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. Her birth in 2008 is widely credited with kickstarting the name’s popularity trend in the 21st century.
• Harry Harlow: An American psychologist (using it as a surname) known for his maternal-separation, dependency needs, and social isolation experiments with rhesus monkeys.
• Shalom Harlow: A Canadian supermodel and actress who rose to prominence in the 90s, bridging the gap between the name being a surname and a first name.

Harlow in Pop Culture

• Bobbi Harlow: A character from the classic comic strip “Bloom County.”
• Clarissa Harlowe: The titular character of Samuel Richardson’s 1748 tragic novel, one of the longest novels in the English language.
• Red Harlow: The protagonist of the video game “Red Dead Revolver,” the predecessor to the massive hit “Red Dead Redemption.”

FAQs About the Name Harlow

Here are answers to the most common questions regarding this stylish name.