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Meaning & History
The actual surname of the fictional character Harley Quinn. The character first appeared in the "Batman: The Animated Series" episode "Joker's Favor" in September 1992, but her full name (Harleen Quinzel) was not revealed until the February 1994 one-shot comic "The Batman Adventures: Mad Love". It is likely an elaboration of the surname "Quinn", with some influence from surnames like Denzel, Wetzel, or Menzel. The name is a pun on "harlequin", referencing her style of dress as a traditional harlequin jester to coordinate with the Joker's clown theme.