Meaning & origin
A reliable meaning for Harbor isn’t established in our sources yet. Rather than guess, we show what is recorded: how the name is used, how often, and the names it’s connected to.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 2006. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Harbor through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 1,258
- 418 boys · 840 girls
- Most popular year
- 2018
- 120 babies
- 2025
- 85
- #2,971 for girls · #3,792 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +4%
- Steady
Boys, girls and both
The balance of boys and girls given this name has shifted over time. Recent births are 32% boys.
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 56 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 2,971 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 7.9% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. It also appeared in 29 birth records for boys in 2025. In 2025, Florida had the largest reported state-level birth count for girls with this name (7). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 691 as a first name in 2020; 1,139 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Harbor’s family of names
In English usage, Harbor as a surname has a related form in HARBOUR.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 1
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Similar names
If you love Harbor, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Aiman
45% boys · 55% girls
Crimson
“as rich and deep as the color”
40% boys · 60% girls
Amaree
“having great strength; a builder” · “one who will be forever beautiful”
52% boys · 48% girls
Armani
“one who is desired; a goal”
56% boys · 44% girls
Rumi
40% boys · 60% girls
Briar
“resembling a thorny plant”
38% boys · 62% girls
Rayen
35% boys · 65% girls
Yuriah
49% boys · 51% girls