Arlyn Unisex

Popularity: #912 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AR-lin //ˈɑːr.lɪn//

Origin: English; Irish

Meaning: English: noble; Irish: pledge

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Arlyn is believed to have roots in the combination of the Old English elements "aer" meaning "eagle" and "lyn" which is derived from the Old French "lind" meaning "soft, tender, or delicate." This suggests a possible interpretation of Arlyn as "eagle's meadow" or "tender eagle." The name's development into its current form likely occurred through the influence of various linguistic traditions, including the transition from Old English to Middle English, and later into modern English, where it was further shaped by cultural exchanges and naming conventions in the British Isles. Historically, names similar to Arlyn have appeared in various forms across different cultures.

The use of names ending in "lyn" became particularly popular in the 20th century, influenced by a trend towards softer, more lyrical names for girls. While Arlyn itself may not have notable historical figures associated with it, the components of the name have been present in various forms throughout English literature and history, reflecting a broader tradition of names that evoke nature and strength.

Culturally, the name Arlyn can be seen as embodying qualities of grace and resilience, akin to the eagle, which is often associated with freedom and power in various mythologies. The name's gentle sound and structure may have contributed to its appeal, resonating with parents seeking names that convey both strength and femininity.

Additionally, diminutive forms such as Arly or Lyn may have emerged, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. Overall, Arlyn reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance that underscores its enduring charm.

Famous people named Arlyn

In this section, you will find notable people named Arlyn. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Arlyn who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Arlyn who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Arlyn Andrews is a writer best known for her work in children's literature and her contributions to various anthologies.

Arlyn G. McGhee is a musician best known for her performances in jazz and classical music ensembles.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Arlyn, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

AlyssaMarleneKaitlynCarlyBrooklyn

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Arlyn. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

AdalynAriaAvelynMarilynKarlyCarlynAshlynJocelyn

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Arlyn was first seen in the United States in 1912.

Arlyn has ranked as high as #1424 nationally, which occurred in 1934, and has been most popular in California, Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa.

In the past 5 years the name Arlyn has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Arlyn is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Arlyn was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Arlyn.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 52 16 36
2024 58 14 44
2023 52 13 39
2022 62 13 49
2021 39 9 30
2020 58 9 49
2019 54 17 37
2018 54 15 39
2017 55 9 46
2016 51 13 38
2015 52 8 44
2014 45 10 35
2013 63 10 53
2012 65 10 55
2011 50 6 44
2010 59 8 51
2009 59 6 53
2008 63 7 56
2007 68 9 59
2006 47 0 47
2005 49 8 41
2004 61 6 55
2003 62 6 56
2002 46 0 46
2001 37 0 37
2000 46 5 41
1999 45 5 40
1998 54 6 48
1997 34 0 34
1996 22 0 22
1995 30 9 21
1994 30 9 21
1993 23 7 16
1992 28 7 21
1991 27 8 19
1990 15 0 15
1989 28 5 23
1988 18 8 10
1987 10 0 10
1986 15 0 15
1985 10 0 10
1984 17 0 17
1983 21 9 12
1982 16 9 7
1981 22 8 14
1980 23 12 11
1979 19 11 8
1978 32 23 9
1977 22 13 9
1976 27 17 10
1975 22 15 7
1974 27 18 9
1973 24 14 10
1972 25 16 9
1971 30 20 10
1970 29 17 12
1969 25 17 8
1968 13 7 6
1967 16 9 7
1966 25 16 9
1965 28 20 8
1964 27 20 7
1963 33 23 10
1962 34 24 10
1961 39 28 11
1960 38 29 9
1959 47 39 8
1958 44 33 11
1957 27 27 0
1956 54 44 10
1955 43 29 14
1954 50 35 15
1953 42 32 10
1952 47 34 13
1951 66 46 20
1950 51 37 14
1949 53 38 15
1948 49 36 13
1947 66 48 18
1946 69 50 19
1945 53 41 12
1944 46 37 9
1943 51 41 10
1942 63 48 15
1941 55 49 6
1940 59 47 12
1939 73 66 7
1938 56 42 14
1937 61 38 23
1936 66 48 18
1935 55 36 19
1934 75 53 22
1933 58 39 19
1932 55 40 15
1931 50 36 14
1930 54 34 20
1929 45 35 10
1928 37 21 16
1927 42 22 20
1926 42 27 15
1925 40 26 14
1924 46 24 22
1923 23 14 9
1922 23 13 10
1921 24 12 12
1920 29 20 9
1919 14 5 9
1918 18 9 9
1917 13 7 6
1916 22 12 10
1915 16 7 9
1914 13 8 5
1913 5 5 0
1912 5 5 0

Top States for Arlyn (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 12
100%