Arlen
Arlen is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Pledge, oath, or eagle.
Origin and history
Arlen is a masculine name with multiple proposed origins, including Gaelic roots meaning 'pledge' or Old High German roots meaning 'eagle'. It enjoyed steady moderate usage in the United States throughout the twentieth century. Today, it remains a uncommon yet classic choice for parents seeking a traditional two-syllable name.
Popularity in the United States
7,345 babies in the United States have been named Arlen since 1880. It ranks #1412 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1398.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17 %)
- MN (14.8 %)
- TX (7.7 %)
- IA (7.1 %)
- WI (6.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 106 |
| 1920-1930 | 389 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,648 |
| 1940-1950 | 957 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,220 |
| 1960-1970 | 602 |
| 1970-1980 | 347 |
| 1980-1990 | 372 |
| 1990-2000 | 327 |
| 2000-2010 | 318 |
| 2010-2019 | 513 |
| 2020-2029 | 541 |
Famous people named Arlen
- Arlen Specter: Politician, Senator
Nicknames
Arlie, Arly
Fun facts
- Arlen is often tied to Gaelic words for 'pledge' or 'oath', as well as Germanic roots related to the eagle.
- Arlen, Texas is famous as the fictional hometown of the characters in the animated series King of the Hill.