Harleigh
ha-rlei-gh, har-leigh
Popularity:
2062
Origin:
British
Meaning:
hare meadow
Harleigh is a gender-neutral name of British origin. It derives from the Old English words hara and leah, meaning “hare” and “clearing” respectively, culminating in the official definition of “hare meadow.” Harleigh is an alternate spelling of the more common Harley. While both were originally given to baby boys, their association with DC’s supervillain—and later antihero—Harley Quinn has made them more popular as girls’ names. Notably, Harley Quinn isn’t a reference to the Old English name but a pun on harlequin, the stock jester character from 17th-century Italian comedies. However, the coincidence will surely resonate with baby Harleigh, who will enjoy sharing a name with such a complex, dynamic, and intelligent female character.