Harsh () is a masculine name of Indian origin, commonly used in India, Nepal, and among other cultures of the Indian subcontinent. The name originates from the Sanskrit term "harį¹£a", which means "joy", "happiness" or "delight". It also denotes excitement or pleasure in classical Sanskrit literature. The name is used both as a given name and a surname. Surname. The surname "Harsh" is a variant of the German surname Harsch, derived from the Middle Low German term "harsch", meaning "harsh" or "stern". This term was used as a descriptive name for individuals with serious or stern demeanor. In Middle High German, harsch also denote a soldier or military group. In the United States, the surname arrived through immigration, as German-speaking families adapted the surname Harsch to its anglicized form, Harsh.