Arrow

Pronunciation: [ AR-oh ]

Girl Name #3,375 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Swift, true, and bold — a name with perfect aim

American English

Bold Modern Earthy Strong Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose"

Origin: Old Norse

Language: English

"swift and true"

Origin: English

Language: English

The Story of Arrow

Arrow is an English word name derived from the Old Norse 'or' meaning arrow (a pointed projectile for a bow). The arrow has been one of humanity's most important tools and symbols for at least 71,000 years — representing speed, precision, direction, and purpose. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern word-name movement where parents choose meaningful English words rather than traditional personal names. The arrow's symbolism — knowing your target and moving straight toward it — makes it a compelling aspirational name.

Arrow emerged as a given name in the 2010s as nature and object names gained popularity. The success of The CW TV series Arrow (2012–2020, based on DC's Green Arrow comic) brought the name into naming consciousness. Parents seeking strong, short word names embraced Arrow alongside names like Sage, Wren, Hazel, and Fox.

The arrow is a universal symbol found in cultures worldwide — from Native American hunting to European heraldry to Cupid's love arrows to modern digital navigation. In Norse mythology, the mistletoe arrow killed the god Balder. In Hindu mythology, Rama's arrow is a symbol of divine justice. Arrow carries this rich cross-cultural symbolic weight in a single syllable.

Fun Facts

The arrow has been used as a tool and symbol for at least 71,000 years — making it one of humanity's longest-used technologies, evidenced by archaeological finds in South Africa
The North arrow on maps is one of the oldest cartographic conventions, appearing in ancient Egyptian and Chinese maps

Arrow in Other Languages

French Fleche

German Pfeil

English Arrow

Spanish Flecha

Japanese Aro

Famous People Named Arrow

Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) Fictional

Other

DC Comics superhero who uses a bow and arrow, appearing in comics since 1941 and in the TV series Arrow (2012–2020) play...

DC Comics superhero who uses a bow and arrow, appearing in comics since 1941 and in the TV series Arrow (2012–2020) played by Stephen Amell

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #3,375
Total SSA Count: 47
Cultural Origins: American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Ro Ari

Pairs Well With

Arrow Mae Arrow Jade Arrow Scout Arrow Wren Arrow Blue Arrow Lane Arrow Skye

Sibling Names

Sparrow Fox Hunter Archer Fallon Wren

Also a Boy Name

Arrow is also used as a boy name, ranked #1674.

View Arrow as a boy name →

Similar Names

Otto Ira Harold Harley Milo Harland Carlo Winslow

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow

What does the name Arrow mean?

"pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose" (from Old Norse). "swift and true" (from English). Arrow is an English word name derived from the Old Norse 'or' meaning arrow (a pointed projectile for a bow). The arrow has been one of humanity's most important tools and symbols for at least 71,000 years — representing speed, precision, direction, and purpose. As a given name, Arrow is part of the modern word-name movement where parents choose meaningful English words rather than traditional personal names. The arrow's symbolism — knowing your target and moving straight toward it — makes it a compelling aspirational name.

What is the origin of the name Arrow?

Arrow has Old Norse, English, and American origins. In Old Norse, it means "pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose". In English, it means "swift and true".

Is Arrow a boy or girl name?

Arrow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3375. As a boy name, it is ranked #1674. 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 #3375 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Arrow?

Common nicknames for Arrow include Ro and Ari.

What are good middle names for Arrow?

Popular middle name pairings include Arrow Mae, Arrow Jade, Arrow Scout, Arrow Wren, Arrow Blue, Arrow Lane, and Arrow Skye.

What are good sibling names for Arrow?

Names that pair well with Arrow as siblings include Sparrow, Fox, Hunter, Archer, Fallon, and Wren.

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 #3375 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Arrow

Arrow is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "pointed projectile; symbol of direction and purpose" in Old Norse .

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

Arrow is currently ranked #3,375 in popularity for girl 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 Ro and Ari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.