Harvey is a highly popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #45 in 2002 with 1,468 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2005 with 2,431 births ranking #27. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 266.1%. In 2002, approximately 1 in every 196 boys born was named Harvey. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Harvey is a long-established name with a gentle modern sound and an older martial root background. Parents often choose it now for its warm vintage feel rather than for its literal historical meaning.
The name came to England through Breton influence and later became a familiar surname and first name. Its recent revival reflects the return of softer old-fashioned boys' names.