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Arrow

Pronunciation: [ AR-oh ]

Boy Name #1,674 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Bold and directional — a name with purpose

American English Australian
Bold Modern Strong Unique Playful

Meaning & Origin

"swift projectile, arrow"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
"word name from archery term"
Origin: Modern English
Language: English

The Story of Arrow

Arrow comes directly from the Old English word "arwe," derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning a swift projectile shot from a bow. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern trend of word names and nature-adjacent names, gaining popularity in the English-speaking world in the 2010s as parents sought distinctive, vivid names with strong imagery.

Arrow began appearing on baby name charts in the US around 2013-2015, boosted by the hit CW superhero series Arrow (2012), featuring Oliver Queen as a vigilante archer. The association with precision, speed, and direction has made it appealing to parents seeking powerful word names.

In many indigenous cultures, the arrow symbolizes protection, direction, and purpose. As a baby name, Arrow resonates with modern parents who value symbolism and nature imagery.

Fun Facts

  • Arrow debuted on US baby name charts after the 2012 premiere of the TV series Arrow
  • The arrow is a universal symbol of direction and focus across many world cultures

Arrow in Other Languages

French Flèche
German Pfeil
Spanish Flecha
Japanese アロー

Famous People Named Arrow

A

Arrow de Wilde

Musician

2001

American singer and frontwoman of indie rock band Starcrawler

O

Oliver Queen / Arrow Fictional

Other

Fictional superhero archer from the CW television series Arrow (2012-2020)

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,674
Total SSA Count
100
Cultural Origins
American English Australian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Common Nicknames

Ari Ro

Pairs Well With

Arrow James Arrow Cole Arrow Reed Arrow Finn Arrow Blake Arrow Dean

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Arrow is also used as a girl name, ranked #3375.

View Arrow as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow

What does the name Arrow mean?
"swift projectile, arrow" (from Old English). "word name from archery term" (from Modern English). Arrow comes directly from the Old English word "arwe," derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning a swift projectile shot from a bow. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern trend of word names and nature-adjacent names, gaining popularity in the English-speaking world in the 2010s as parents sought distinctive, vivid names with strong imagery.
What is the origin of the name Arrow?
Arrow has Old English, Modern English, American, English, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "swift projectile, arrow". In Modern English, it means "word name from archery term".
Is Arrow a boy or girl name?
Arrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1674. As a girl name, it is ranked #3375. Arrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Arrow?
Arrow is pronounced AR-oh.
How popular is the name Arrow?
Arrow is currently ranked #1674 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Arrow?
Common nicknames for Arrow include Ari and Ro.
What are good middle names for Arrow?
Popular middle name pairings include Arrow James, Arrow Cole, Arrow Reed, Arrow Finn, Arrow Blake, and Arrow Dean.
What are good sibling names for Arrow?
Names that pair well with Arrow as siblings include Archer, Hunter, Scout, Wren, Sage, Flint, and River.
How many syllables does Arrow have?
Arrow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Arrow a common or rare name?
Arrow is an uncommon name, ranked #1674 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Arrow

Arrow is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "swift projectile, arrow" in Old English .

Is Arrow a boy or girl name? Arrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,674 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,375. Arrow is more commonly used as a boy name.

Arrow is currently ranked #1,674 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Arrow has 2 syllables and is pronounced AR-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Arrow include Ari and Ro. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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