Arlan

Boy Name #2,775 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A steady mid-century name with deep American roots

American English

Vintage Strong Classic Earthy Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"pledge, oath"

Origin: Old Irish

Language: Irish/English

"eagle land"

Origin: Old German

Language: German/English

The Story of Arlan

Arlan is a variant of Arlen, a name of disputed origin that may derive from Old Irish 'Arlene' (pledge or oath), or from Old German elements suggesting 'eagle land.' Some sources connect it to an Irish Gaelic surname, Ó hErileáin. As an American given name, Arlan emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying a solid, straightforward character typical of names from that era.

Arlan and its variant Arlen were most popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, particularly in the South and Midwest. The name peaked around the 1930s–1950s and has slowly declined since, giving it a vintage mid-century character today.

Arlan belongs to the generation of mid-century American masculine names — solid, unpretentious, and rooted. It's related to Harlan (most famously Harlan Ellison, the science fiction writer) and carries the same straightforward American character.

Fun Facts

Arlan is a variant of Arlen, which has Irish and possibly Germanic roots
The name peaked in US popularity in the 1930s–1950s
Arlan Hamilton is a prominent modern bearer — a venture capitalist and advocate for underrepresented founders

Arlan in Other Languages

Irish Arlene (variant)

German Arlan

English Arlen

Famous People Named Arlan

Arlan Hamilton

Business

1980

American venture capitalist and founder of Backstage Capital, advocate for underrepresented startup founders

Arlan Stangeland

Politician

1930

American politician who served as a US Representative from Minnesota

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,775
Total SSA Count: 47
Cultural Origins: American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Arl

Pairs Well With

Arlan James Arlan Lee Arlan Ray Arlan Dean Arlan Wayne Arlan Dale Arlan Scott

Sibling Names

Harlan Glen Darla Marlene Carla Earle Merle

Similar Names

Harlan Hardin Arden Marlin Harlen Erling Arlen Arlin

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arlan

What does the name Arlan mean?

"pledge, oath" (from Old Irish). "eagle land" (from Old German). Arlan is a variant of Arlen, a name of disputed origin that may derive from Old Irish 'Arlene' (pledge or oath), or from Old German elements suggesting 'eagle land.' Some sources connect it to an Irish Gaelic surname, Ó hErileáin. As an American given name, Arlan emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying a solid, straightforward character typical of names from that era.

What is the origin of the name Arlan?

Arlan has Old Irish, Old German, American, and English origins. In Old Irish, it means "pledge, oath". In Old German, it means "eagle land".

Is Arlan a boy or girl name?

Arlan is primarily used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Arlan?

Arlan is currently ranked #2775 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Arlan?

Common nicknames for Arlan include Arl.

What are good middle names for Arlan?

Popular middle name pairings include Arlan James, Arlan Lee, Arlan Ray, Arlan Dean, Arlan Wayne, Arlan Dale, and Arlan Scott.

What are good sibling names for Arlan?

Names that pair well with Arlan as siblings include Harlan, Glen, Darla, Marlene, Carla, Earle, and Merle.

How many syllables does Arlan have?

Arlan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Arlan a common or rare name?

Arlan is an uncommon name, ranked #2775 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Arlan

Arlan is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "pledge, oath" in Old Irish .

Arlan is currently ranked #2,775 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Arlan has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Arlan include Arl. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.