Arlen

Pronunciation: [ AHRL-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,688 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A vintage Irish name with timeless character

Irish American

Vintage Strong Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"pledge, oath"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Language: English

"little rock"

Origin: Celtic

Language: English

The Story of Arlen

Arlen is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic tradition, possibly related to the Old Irish meaning pledge or oath. Some sources connect it to place names in Ireland. It gained use as a given name in the English-speaking world in the 19th and early 20th centuries, popular particularly in the American Midwest.

Arlen peaked in the US during the 1930s-1940s, associated with songwriter Harold Arlen who wrote Over the Rainbow. It has been declining since but has a retro appeal that attracts some parents today.

The name has a quietly Irish heritage that appeals to families of Irish descent. Harold Arlen's legacy has kept the name associated with creative achievement.

Fun Facts

Harold Arlen, who composed Over the Rainbow for The Wizard of Oz, made this name famous in music
Arlen, Texas was the fictional setting of King of the Hill

Arlen in Other Languages

Irish Arlen

French Arlen

Spanish Arlen

Famous People Named Arlen

Arlen Specter

Politician

1930

Long-serving US Senator from Pennsylvania

Harold Arlen

Musician

1905

American composer who wrote Over the Rainbow for The Wizard of Oz

Hank Hill Fictional

Other

Main character of animated TV series King of the Hill, set in Arlen, Texas

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,688
Total SSA Count: 99
Cultural Origins: Irish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Arley #2054

Nicknames

Arl Ary Arlie

Pairs Well With

Arlen James Arlen Scott Arlen Ray Arlen Dean Arlen Cole

Sibling Names

Marlowe Harlan Cora Vivian Dale

Also a Girl Name

Arlen is also used as a girl name, ranked #6356.

View Arlen as a girl name →

Similar Names

Otto Ira Marion Warren Milo Hardin Jared Marlin

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arlen

What does the name Arlen mean?

"pledge, oath" (from Irish Gaelic). "little rock" (from Celtic). Arlen is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic tradition, possibly related to the Old Irish meaning pledge or oath. Some sources connect it to place names in Ireland. It gained use as a given name in the English-speaking world in the 19th and early 20th centuries, popular particularly in the American Midwest.

What is the origin of the name Arlen?

Arlen has Irish Gaelic, Celtic, Irish, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "pledge, oath". In Celtic, it means "little rock".

Is Arlen a boy or girl name?

Arlen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1688. As a girl name, it is ranked #6356. Arlen is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Arlen?

Arlen is pronounced AHRL-uhn.

How popular is the name Arlen?

Arlen is currently ranked #1688 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Arlen?

Common nicknames for Arlen include Arl, Ary, and Arlie.

What are good middle names for Arlen?

Popular middle name pairings include Arlen James, Arlen Scott, Arlen Ray, Arlen Dean, and Arlen Cole.

What are good sibling names for Arlen?

Names that pair well with Arlen as siblings include Marlowe, Harlan, Cora, Vivian, and Dale.

How many syllables does Arlen have?

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

Is Arlen a common or rare name?

Arlen is an uncommon name, ranked #1688 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Arlen

Arlen is a boy name with Irish and American origins . The name means "pledge, oath" in Irish Gaelic .

Is Arlen a boy or girl name? Arlen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,688 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,356. Arlen is more commonly used as a boy name.

Arlen is currently ranked #1,688 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Arlen has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHRL-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Arlen include Arl, Ary, and Arlie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Arlen include Arley . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.