"pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: English
Arrow
Pronunciation: [ AR-oh ]
Does Arrow flow with your last name?
Swift, true, and bold — a name with perfect aim
American
English
Bold
Modern
Earthy
Strong
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Arrow
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Arrow
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"swift and true"
Origin: English
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Arrow
Arrow is an English word name derived from the Old Norse 'or' meaning arrow (a pointed projectile for a bow). The arrow has been one of humanity's most important tools and symbols for at least 71,000 years — representing speed, precision, direction, and purpose. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern word-name movement where parents choose meaningful English words rather than traditional personal names. The arrow's symbolism — knowing your target and moving straight toward it — makes it a compelling aspirational name.
Arrow emerged as a given name in the 2010s as nature and object names gained popularity. The success of The CW TV series Arrow (2012–2020, based on DC's Green Arrow comic) brought the name into naming consciousness. Parents seeking strong, short word names embraced Arrow alongside names like Sage, Wren, Hazel, and Fox.
The arrow is a universal symbol found in cultures worldwide — from Native American hunting to European heraldry to Cupid's love arrows to modern digital navigation. In Norse mythology, the mistletoe arrow killed the god Balder. In Hindu mythology, Rama's arrow is a symbol of divine justice. Arrow carries this rich cross-cultural symbolic weight in a single syllable.
Historical Record
Arrow first appeared in US Social Security records in 2007.
Over 822 babies have been named Arrow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Arrow is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,375 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The arrow has been used as a tool and symbol for at least 71,000 years — making it one of humanity's longest-used technologies, evidenced by archaeological finds in South Africa
- The North arrow on maps is one of the oldest cartographic conventions, appearing in ancient Egyptian and Chinese maps
Arrow in Other Languages
French
Fleche
German
Pfeil
English
Arrow
Spanish
Flecha
Japanese
Aro
Popularity Over Time
#3,375
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
O
Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) Fictional
Other
DC Comics superhero who uses a bow and arrow, appearing in comics since 1941 and in the TV series Arrow (2012–2020) play...
DC Comics superhero who uses a bow and arrow, appearing in comics since 1941 and in the TV series Arrow (2012–2020) played by Stephen Amell
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Compare Arrow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,375
- Total SSA Count
- 47
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ro
Ari
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Arrow
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Arrow is also used as a boy name, ranked #1674.
View Arrow as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow
What does the name Arrow mean?
"pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose" (from Old Norse). "swift and true" (from English). Arrow is an English word name derived from the Old Norse 'or' meaning arrow (a pointed projectile for a bow). The arrow has been one of humanity's most important tools and symbols for at least 71,000 years — representing speed, precision, direction, and purpose. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern word-name movement where parents choose meaningful English words rather than traditional personal names. The arrow's symbolism — knowing your target and moving straight toward it — makes it a compelling aspirational name.
What is the origin of the name Arrow?
Arrow has Old Norse, English, and American origins. In Old Norse, it means "pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose". In English, it means "swift and true".
Is Arrow a boy or girl name?
Arrow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3375. As a boy name, it is ranked #1674. 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 #3375 in popularity for girl 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 Mae, Arrow Jade, Arrow Scout, Arrow Wren, Arrow Blue, Arrow Lane, and Arrow Skye.
What are good sibling names for Arrow?
Names that pair well with Arrow as siblings include Sparrow, Fox, Hunter, Archer, Fallon, and Wren.
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 #3375 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Arrow
Arrow is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose" in Old Norse .
Is Arrow a boy or girl name? Arrow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,375 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,674. Arrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
Arrow is currently ranked #3,375 in popularity for girl 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 Ro and Ari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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