"fortified hill"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Arlo
Girl Name
#2,254 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A bold vintage name with modern gender-neutral appeal
English
American
Australian
Modern
Bold
Playful
Unique
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"barberry shrub"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
The Story of Arlo
Arlo derives from Old English place names like Harlowe, meaning 'fortified hill' or 'army hill'. It also has possible Spanish roots from 'el arlo,' a type of barberry shrub. Traditionally used for boys, Arlo has increasingly crossed gender lines in the 21st century as parents embrace its crisp, modern sound.
Arlo surged in popularity for boys after Pixar's 2015 film 'The Good Dinosaur,' and its gender-neutral appeal grew as celebrity parents like Lena Dunham began choosing it for daughters.
In English-speaking countries, Arlo has a long history as a literary and artistic surname — most famously folk singer Arlo Guthrie — now enjoying revival as a first name for both genders.
Fun Facts
- Arlo Guthrie wrote 'Alice's Restaurant Massacree,' an 18-minute folk song that became a Thanksgiving tradition
- Arlo appears on US Social Security name charts for girls since 2015
Arlo in Other Languages
French
Arlo
German
Arlo
Italian
Arlo
Spanish
Arlo
Famous People Named Arlo
A
Arlo Guthrie
Musician
1947
American folk singer known for 'Alice's Restaurant' and anti-war activism
A
Arlo Fictional
Other
The young Apatosaurus protagonist of Pixar's 'The Good Dinosaur' (2015)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,254
- Total SSA Count
- 83
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ar
Pairs Well With
Arlo Jane
Arlo Rose
Arlo Mae
Arlo June
Arlo Grace
Arlo Blue
Arlo Skye
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Arlo is also used as a boy name, ranked #146.
View Arlo as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arlo
What does the name Arlo mean?
"fortified hill" (from Old English). "barberry shrub" (from Spanish). Arlo derives from Old English place names like Harlowe, meaning 'fortified hill' or 'army hill'. It also has possible Spanish roots from 'el arlo,' a type of barberry shrub. Traditionally used for boys, Arlo has increasingly crossed gender lines in the 21st century as parents embrace its crisp, modern sound.
What is the origin of the name Arlo?
Arlo has Old English, Spanish, English, American, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "fortified hill". In Spanish, it means "barberry shrub".
Is Arlo a boy or girl name?
Arlo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2254. As a boy name, it is ranked #146. Arlo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Arlo?
Arlo is currently ranked #2254 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Arlo?
Common nicknames for Arlo include Ar.
What are good middle names for Arlo?
Popular middle name pairings include Arlo Jane, Arlo Rose, Arlo Mae, Arlo June, Arlo Grace, Arlo Blue, and Arlo Skye.
What are good sibling names for Arlo?
Names that pair well with Arlo as siblings include Milo, Jasper, Willow, Indie, Scout, Finn, and Wren.
How many syllables does Arlo have?
Arlo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Arlo a common or rare name?
Arlo is an uncommon name, ranked #2254 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Arlo
Arlo is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "fortified hill" in Old English .
Is Arlo a boy or girl name? Arlo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,254 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #146. Arlo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Arlo is currently ranked #2,254 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Arlo has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Arlo include Ar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Arlo include Arleth, Arlette, Arlet, Arlett, Arlene . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.