Harman
Derived from the Old English words "here" and "mann," referring to a military man or soldier.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 17,035 Americans carry the last name Harman. That puts it at #2,458 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 4.97 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 20,121 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Harman surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
17K
1 in 20,121
Census rank
#2,458
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
5.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
15K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 14,658 bearers of the surname Harman in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 4.97 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 2458th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Harman, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.8%) and Two or More Races (1.6%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Harman
The surname HARMAN has its origins in England, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "heargarm," which translates to "heathen army" or "pagan warrior." This suggests that the name may have been associated with individuals who were part of invading armies or those who fought against the Christian armies during the early medieval period.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the HARMAN surname appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Hareman." This entry provides evidence that the name was present in England shortly after the Norman Conquest. It is likely that the name evolved over time, with various spellings such as Harman, Harmon, and Harmyn being used interchangeably.
During the 13th century, the HARMAN surname can be found in various records, including the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273, which mentions a "Willelmus Hareman." This suggests that the name had spread across different regions of England by this time.
In the 14th century, the HARMAN surname appeared in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, where a "Johannes Harman" is listed. This record provides further evidence of the name's presence in different parts of the country.
One notable individual bearing the HARMAN surname was William Harman (1457-1530), who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1493. He played a significant role in the construction of several religious buildings, including the Leadenhall Chapel.
Another notable figure was John Harman (1585-1670), an English clergyman and author who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells. His works included religious treatises and sermons published during the 17th century.
In the 18th century, Thomas Harman (1737-1817) was a British naval officer who achieved the rank of Admiral. He played a crucial role in several naval battles during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars.
The HARMAN surname also has connections to place names in England. For instance, the village of Harmondsworth in Middlesex is believed to have derived its name from the Old English "Heremundes wurth," which means "Heremunde's enclosure." This suggests a potential link between the surname and the place name.
Throughout its history, the HARMAN surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including military personnel, clergymen, authors, and public figures. While the exact origins and meanings may have evolved over time, the name has maintained a strong presence in England and other parts of the world where English surnames have taken root.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Harman
Among Census respondents with the surname Harman, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.8%) and Two or More Races (1.6%).
The bar chart below shows how Harman bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Harman surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White94.0%
- Hispanic or Latino1.8%
- Two or more races1.6%
- Black or African American1.4%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.8%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.4%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Harman surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #2,458 | #2,458 | 0.0% |
| Count | 14,658 | 14,658 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 4.97 | 4.97 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Harman bearers went from 14,658 to 14,658 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #2,458 to #2,458.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Harman
FAQ
Harman surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Harman?
The surname Harman holds position #2,458 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 17,035 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 4.97 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Harman surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Harman, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.8%) and Two or More Races (1.6%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.