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Harley

The origin and history of Harley.

Etymology

Short for Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle maker founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers; the surname itself traces to an Old English place name meaning roughly "hare wood" or "rock clearing."

Origin: Old English · First attested 1903

Class of 1903

Harley first entered the language around 1903. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1903 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.