Meaning, origin, history
Harbour is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the English word "harbor," which refers to a sheltered port or inlet where ships can anchor safely. The name Harbour therefore has strong associations with the sea, navigation, and protection.
The use of Harbour as a given name is believed to have originated in England during the 19th century. However, it was not particularly common and remained quite rare throughout most of the 20th century. It was not until the late 20th century that Harbour began to gain popularity as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Despite its relative rarity, Harbour has been used as a given name by several notable individuals throughout history. For example, Australian actor Hugh Jackman named his son Oscar Maximilian "Oscar" Handsley Jackman in 2005, with "Harbour" being one of his middle names.
Today, Harbour is still considered an uncommon but attractive option for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Its association with the sea and protection gives it a strong and appealing meaning, while its rarity ensures that it stands out from more common names such as Samuel or Emily.
In terms of usage, Harbour is typically used as a given name for boys, although it can also be used for girls in some cases. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Harbour was not among the top 1000 most popular boys' names between 2000 and 2019, indicating its continued rarity.
Overall, Harbour is a unique and distinctive given name with a strong association with the sea and protection. While it may not be particularly common, its appealing meaning and rarity make it an attractive option for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Harbour since 1880
Total births
101
Total since 1880
Peak year
2014
13 births
in 2022
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+10%
↗
vs previous 5 years