"swift projectile, arrow"
Arrow
Pronunciation: [ AR-oh ]
Bold and directional — a name with purpose
Meaning & Origin
"word name from archery term"
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
Famous People Named Arrow
Arrow de Wilde
Musician
2001
American singer and frontwoman of indie rock band Starcrawler
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Arrow is also used as a girl name, ranked #3375.
View Arrow as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow
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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.