"eagle power, noble strength"
Arlet
Medieval Norman elegance in a modern trim
Meaning & Origin
"little eagle"
The Story of Arlet
Arlet is a shortened, modernized form of Arlette, an Old French name derived from the Germanic arn (eagle) combined with a diminutive suffix. The name was made famous in Normandy by Arlette of Falaise, the mother of William the Conqueror — one of the most consequential women in medieval history. The trimmed form Arlet gives it a contemporary, international feel.
Arlet has been gaining traction in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America, where parents are drawn to its European elegance combined with easy Spanish pronunciation. It ranked in the Mexican top 100 girls names in the early 2020s.
The name carries the legacy of Arlette of Falaise (c. 1003), whose union with Robert I of Normandy produced William the Conqueror — changing the course of English history. For those who know this history, Arlet/Arlette carries remarkable historical weight.
Fun Facts
- Arlette of Falaise was the mother of William the Conqueror, meaning Arlet connects to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066
- Arlet is in the top 50 girls names in Mexico as of 2022
- The eagle element in the name (arn) also appears in names like Arnold, Arthur (possibly), and Arne
Arlet in Other Languages
Famous People Named Arlet
Arlette (singer)
Musician
1986
Lebanese-Canadian singer known for her ethereal vocals and indie pop style
Arlette of Falaise
Royalty
1003
Norman woman who was the mother of William the Conqueror, whose 1066 invasion permanently transformed England
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #719
- Total SSA Count
- 390
- Cultural Origins
- French Spanish Latin American Mexican
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Arlet is also used as a boy name, ranked #38775.
View Arlet as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arlet
What does the name Arlet mean?
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Is Arlet a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Arlet
Arlet is a girl name with French, Spanish, Latin American, and Mexican origins . The name means "eagle power, noble strength" in Germanic arn + lette (diminutive) .
Is Arlet a boy or girl name? Arlet is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #719 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,775. Arlet is more commonly used as a girl name.
Arlet is currently ranked #719 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Arlet has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Arlet include Arlie and Lettie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Arlet include Arleth, Arlette, Arlett, Arlene, Arlee . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.