Harlowe

The given name Harlowe originated in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "here," meaning army, and "hlaw," meaning hill or mound, thus referring to a hill where armies gathered or encamped. The name was initially a locational surname, indicating someone who lived near such a strategic military hill.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Harlowe dates back to the 13th century, when a William de Herlawe was mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275. The name also appears in various medieval records, such as the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Robert de Herlawe is listed.

During the Renaissance period, the name Harlowe gained literary significance when it was used as a character name in the 1592 play "The Tragedy of Soliman and Perseda" by Thomas Kyd. This association with literature may have contributed to its transition from a surname to a given name.

In the 17th century, a notable bearer of the name was Sir Harlowe Raleigh (1617-1689), an English politician and Member of Parliament. He was the grandson of Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous explorer and courtier of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another prominent figure was Harlowe Harland (1805-1873), an American educator and historian who served as the sixth president of the University of Miami in Ohio. He was known for his work on the history of Presbyterianism in the United States.

In the 19th century, Harlowe Arlin (1846-1923) was an American businessman and real estate developer who played a significant role in the growth of Los Angeles, California. He established the town of Harlowton, Montana, which was named after him.

The name Harlowe also appeared in the literary world with Harlowe Bradford (1901-1951), an American novelist and short story writer known for her works depicting life in the American South.

While the name Harlowe has traditionally been more common for males, it has gained popularity as a unisex name in recent times, with some notable female bearers, such as Harlowe Grace, an American child actress born in 2010.