"swift projectile, arrow"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Arrow
Pronunciation: [ AR-oh ]
Does Arrow flow with your last name?
Bold and directional — a name with purpose
American
English
Australian
Bold
Modern
Strong
Unique
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Arrow
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Arrow
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"word name from archery term"
Origin: Modern English
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Arrow
See all →What the Arrow report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Arrow the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Arrow
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Arrow head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Arrow actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Arrow
Arrow comes directly from the Old English word "arwe," derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning a swift projectile shot from a bow. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern trend of word names and nature-adjacent names, gaining popularity in the English-speaking world in the 2010s as parents sought distinctive, vivid names with strong imagery.
Arrow began appearing on baby name charts in the US around 2013-2015, boosted by the hit CW superhero series Arrow (2012), featuring Oliver Queen as a vigilante archer. The association with precision, speed, and direction has made it appealing to parents seeking powerful word names.
In many indigenous cultures, the arrow symbolizes protection, direction, and purpose. As a baby name, Arrow resonates with modern parents who value symbolism and nature imagery.
Historical Record
Arrow first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 1,639 babies have been named Arrow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Arrow is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,674 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Arrow debuted on US baby name charts after the 2012 premiere of the TV series Arrow
- The arrow is a universal symbol of direction and focus across many world cultures
Arrow in Other Languages
French
Flèche
German
Pfeil
Spanish
Flecha
Japanese
アロー
Popularity Over Time
#1,674
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Arrow
A
Arrow de Wilde
Musician
2001
American singer and frontwoman of indie rock band Starcrawler
O
Oliver Queen / Arrow Fictional
Other
Fictional superhero archer from the CW television series Arrow (2012-2020)
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,674
- Total SSA Count
- 100
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ari
Ro
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Arrow
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Arrow fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Girl Name
Arrow is also used as a girl name, ranked #3375.
View Arrow as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Arrow →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Arrow with...
Same Origin Names (American)
See all American names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Arrow
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Arrow and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Arrow sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Payton
Boy
Old English origin
"warrior's estate"
#1,515 in US
Jakobi
Boy
Hebrew origin
"supplanter, he who follows at the heel"
#1,574 in US
Kyrin
Boy
Persian origin
"sun, lord"
#1,733 in US
Xavion
Boy
Arabic via Basque origin
"bright, splendid"
#1,706 in US
Lamar
Boy
Old French origin
"from the pool or marsh"
#1,517 in US
Santiel
Boy
Latin/Hebrew origin
"saint of God, blessed by God"
#1,807 in US
Kaisyn
Boy
Greek origin
"to heal (if derived from Jason)"
#1,602 in US
Savior
Boy
Old French origin
"liberator, deliverer"
#1,804 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Arrow's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow
What does the name Arrow mean?
"swift projectile, arrow" (from Old English). "word name from archery term" (from Modern English). Arrow comes directly from the Old English word "arwe," derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning a swift projectile shot from a bow. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern trend of word names and nature-adjacent names, gaining popularity in the English-speaking world in the 2010s as parents sought distinctive, vivid names with strong imagery.
What is the origin of the name Arrow?
Arrow has Old English, Modern English, American, English, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "swift projectile, arrow". In Modern English, it means "word name from archery term".
Is Arrow a boy or girl name?
Arrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1674. As a girl name, it is ranked #3375. Arrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Arrow?
Arrow is pronounced AR-oh.
How popular is the name Arrow?
Arrow is currently ranked #1674 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Arrow?
Common nicknames for Arrow include Ari.
What are good middle names for Arrow?
Popular middle name pairings include Arrow James, Arrow Cole, Arrow Reed, Arrow Finn, Arrow Blake, and Arrow Dean.
What are good sibling names for Arrow?
Names that pair well with Arrow as siblings include Archer, Hunter, Scout, Wren, Sage, Flint, and River.
How many syllables does Arrow have?
Arrow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Arrow a common or rare name?
Arrow is an uncommon name, ranked #1674 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Arrow
Arrow is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "swift projectile, arrow" in Old English .
Is Arrow a boy or girl name? Arrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,674 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,375. Arrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
Arrow is currently ranked #1,674 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Arrow has 2 syllables and is pronounced AR-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Arrow include Ari and Ro. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Old English Names
Browse all names with this origin
A
Names Starting with A
More boy names like Arrow
Rising Names
Names gaining popularity right now
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Boy Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis