All about the name

Harvard

Male

« Harvard is a rare, distinct American given name derived from Harvard College (established 1636), with no specific meaning or translation in any language. »

#17630 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Harvard is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the town of Harvard, located in Massachusetts, which was founded in 1636 by the Reverend John Dunster. The town was named after his alma mater, Harvard College, which was established in 1636 and is now known as Harvard University. The name Harvard has no specific meaning or translation in any language. It simply serves as a tribute to the prestigious educational institution that bears the same name. Over time, Harvard has become synonymous with academic excellence and intellectual achievement worldwide. Despite its association with the renowned university, the given name Harvard has not gained significant popularity outside of New England. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has been given to fewer than 500 babies since 1879 when recording of names began. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in the usage of the name Harvard as parents continue to seek unique and meaningful names for their children. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other popular names. Overall, the given name Harvard is deeply rooted in American history and education, serving as a testament to the importance of intellectual pursuits and academic excellence. Its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Harvard since 1880

Total births
604
Total since 1880
Peak year
1915
27 births
in 2018
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-65%
vs previous 5 years