Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Arlo is a name of Old English origin, meaning 'fortified hill'. Over time, it evolved from historical forms like Earl to its current form. The name has no biblical relevance and saw a rise in popularity in the 20th century, becoming trendy in recent years. It is often associated with creativity and individuality.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɑːrloʊ/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Arlo is believed to derive from Old English roots, potentially meaning 'army hill' or 'fortified hill'. It may also be linked to a place name in England.
Meaning
fortified hill
Language Evolution
Earl, Arlo
Historical Usage
Arlo gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, and has been used more widely since the 21st century.
Variants & Derivatives
Arlow, Arlo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Arlo is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Arlo Guthrie, Arlo Davy, Arlo White
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,564 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Oregon
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 828th of 7545 | 1,068 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 797th of 6773 | 1,139 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1536th of 7552 | 494 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1645th of 10718 | 465 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2717th of 16616 | 358 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1542nd of 24088 | 1,445 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 257th of 23106 | 16,806 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7034th of 9204 | 17 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21432nd of 35406 | 33 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2716th of 30306 | 768 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
30.01% 425th/1416 |
- |
84.53% 2000th/2366 |
73.29% 837th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
27.17% 420th/1546 |
78.86% 1227th/1556 |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
52.81% 817th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
41.72% 929th/2227 |
- | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
- |
36.52% 1477th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
- | - |
49.75% 3143rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
28.59% 1310th/4582 |
29.12% 1504th/5164 |
33.63% 2459th/7313 |
14.18% 1058th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
4.74% 189th/3984 |
5.71% 256th/4487 |
5.22% 356th/6822 |
3.63% 228th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
63.40% 2526th/3984 |
58.75% 2636th/4487 |
49.79% 3397th/6822 |
34.23% 2148th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Oregon across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 828th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 797th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1536th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1645th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2717th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1542nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 257th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7034th out of 9204 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 21432nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2716th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
