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Harvey

Boy name · 1,308 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Harvey: 1,308 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 84 births in 2009.

Of Old Breton origin from *Haerviu*, meaning "battle worthy" or "blazing in battle," Harvey arrived in English-speaking lands via the Norman French Hervé. The name gained modern prominence through Harvey Milk, the pioneering American gay rights activist and politician, and Oscar-nominated actor Harvey Keitel. Several towns across the United States bear the name, most notably Harvey, Illinois, though these are generally named for individuals rather than the root meaning. A charming cultural twist comes from the 1950 play *Harvey*, about a man whose best friend is an invisible six-foot rabbit, giving the name a gentle, whimsical association alongside its warrior origins. Variant spellings like Hervey appear occasionally, but Harvey remains the standard form.

Boy 38 of 52 years

Peak year
200984 babies
Latest (2025)
#17424 babies
Total births
1,308since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 42%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2009 · 84
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).