"pledge, oath"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Arlen
Pronunciation: [ AHRL-uhn ]
Does Arlen flow with your last name?
A vintage Irish name with timeless character
Irish
American
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Arlen
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Meaning & Origin
"little rock"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Arlen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,132 babies have been named Arlen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Arlen is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,688 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,688
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Arlen
A
Arlen Specter
Politician
1930
Long-serving US Senator from Pennsylvania
H
Harold Arlen
Musician
1905
American composer who wrote Over the Rainbow for The Wizard of Oz
H
Hank Hill Fictional
Other
Main character of animated TV series King of the Hill, set in Arlen, Texas
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Compare Arlen with:
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
Nicknames
Arl
Ary
Arie
Arlkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Arlen
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Arlen is also used as a girl name, ranked #6356.
View Arlen as a girl name →Similar Names
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Latin/Germanic origin
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Latin origin
"reputation, esteem"
#1,585 in US
Clarence
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Old English origin
"from Clare (Suffolk)"
#1,563 in US
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Old High German origin
"strong as an eagle"
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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, Arie, and Arlkins.
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.
What boy names are similar to Arlen?
Are there other spellings for Arlen?
Related spellings include Arley.
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, Arie, and Arlkins. 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.
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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