Harvey
Harvey is a boy name of French origin meaning “Battle worthy”, pronounced HAR-vee. It ranked #251 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,381 babies, and peaked at #51 in 1880. Common nicknames: Harv, Harvy.
How popular is Harvey in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Harvey mean, and where does it come from?
Harvey comes from the Breton name Haerviu, composed of "haer" (battle) and "viu" (worthy). It was brought to England by Breton settlers following the Norman Conquest. The name was common in medieval England and experienced a revival in the 19th century. In popular culture, Harvey is associated with the 1950 Jimmy Stewart film Harvey and the comic book character Harvey Dent. The name has recently been reviving in the United Kingdom, where it has climbed back into the top 50 boy names.
How is Harvey used around the world?
Harvey is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Harvey?
Famous People Named Harvey
- Harvey Keitel — American actor
- Harvey Milk — American politician and civil rights activist
- William Harvey — English physician who described blood circulation
Similar Names to Harvey
If you like Harvey, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Harvey
Looking for names that pair well with Harvey? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Harvey mean?
Harvey is a boy name of French origin meaning "Battle worthy." Harvey comes from the Breton name Haerviu, composed of "haer" (battle) and "viu" (worthy). It was brought to England by Breton settlers following the Norman Conquest.
How do you pronounce Harvey?
Harvey is pronounced HAR-vee. Common variations include Hervey, Harve, Hervé.
Is Harvey a boy name?
Yes, Harvey is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Harv, Harvy.