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Arlo Unisex

Popularity: #142 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAR-lo / ˈɑːrloʊ

Spanish; English

Meaning

Spanish: 'barrow' or 'hill'; English: 'fortified hill'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Arlo has uncertain etymological roots, but it is often associated with Old English and Old Norse origins. One theory suggests that it derives from the Old English name "Eorþeweard," meaning "earth guardian," which evolved into the modern form. Another possibility links it to the Old Norse name "Arlóð," which means "eagle" or "noble," although this connection is less substantiated. The name entered the English language through various adaptations and influences over the centuries, reflecting the blending of cultures in medieval England.

Historically, Arlo does not have a significant presence in ancient texts or notable figures until more recent centuries. It is sometimes mistakenly linked to the Spanish word "arlo," meaning "to be a guardian," but this connection is tenuous. The name gained some recognition in the 20th century, particularly through cultural references in literature and music, although it lacks the historical weight of more traditional names. Notably, the name has been used in various artistic works, including the animated film "The Good Dinosaur" released in 2015, which contributed to its visibility.

Culturally, Arlo has been embraced for its simplicity and melodic quality, making it appealing in various contexts. The name evokes a sense of nature and protection, aligning with its potential meanings. While diminutive forms or variations are not widely documented, the name's straightforwardness allows for affectionate adaptations in informal settings. Overall, Arlo's journey into the English lexicon reflects a blend of linguistic evolution and cultural resonance, marking it as a name with both historical intrigue and modern charm.

Trend Summary

Arlo has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past decade.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Arlow

International Variants

  • Arlo (Spanish)
  • Arlo (English)

Famous people named Arlo

Arlo Guthrie is a singer-songwriter best known for Alice's Restaurant, City of New Orleans, and Coming into Los Angeles.

Arlo Davy Land is a computer scientist best known for his work in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Fictional characters named Arlo

Arlo is a fictional character from the animated film The Good Dinosaur. He is a timid Apatosaurus who embarks on a journey to find his way home and discover his own strength.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Arlo was first seen in the United States in 1899. Arlo has ranked as high as #248 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Arlo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Arlo (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 235
10%
TX 197
8%
NY 131
6%
OH 117
5%
IL 96
4%
PA 93
4%
FL 84
4%
AZ 81
3%
WI 77
3%
MI 74
3%
MN 73
3%
IN 71
3%
WA 68
3%
NC 67
3%
VA 61
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18995
19009
19055
19077
19086
19098
191013
19115
191226
191330
191445
191576
191666
191769
191881
191966
192082
192158
192276
192386
192467
192568
192663
192765
192878
192983
193061
193175
193277
193374
193466
193574
193664
193766
193870
193961
194049
194168
194245
194349
194443
194536
194630
194734
194843
194925
195035
195137
195234
195321
195429
195522
195621
195730
195828
195925
196018
196115
196222
196312
196413
19659
196613
19678
19687
196917
197033
197150
197246
197349
197429
197538
197636
197740
197837
197918
198035
198128
198218
198328
198418
198522
198629
198725
198825
198926
199028
199120
199213
199319
199418
199520
199621
199716
199830
199926
200037
200133
200241
200336
200458
200564
200673
200795
2008101
2009157
2010184
2011220
2012274
2013354
2014518
2015579
2016977
20171,092
20181,267
20191,323
20201,700
20211,990
20222,220
20232,305
20242,481