Arlen vs Esmay

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Arlen

Boy #1,688 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pledge, oath"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,688
Total SSA Count
99
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Arl, Ary, Arie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Esmay

Girl #6,334 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"Esteemed, beloved"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English Dutch French Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#6,334
Total SSA Count
19
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ez, Mae, Essie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Esmay →

Popularity Comparison

Arlen Rank #1,688
Esmay Rank #6,334

Arlen is more popular, ranked #1688 vs #6334 for Esmay.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Arlen ___

  • Arlen James
  • Arlen Scott
  • Arlen Ray
  • Arlen Dean
  • Arlen Cole

Esmay ___

  • Esmay Rose
  • Esmay Claire
  • Esmay Violet
  • Esmay June
  • Esmay Pearl
  • Esmay Celeste

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Arlen

Marlowe Harlan Cora Vivian Dale

If you choose Esmay

Isadora Clementine Rafferty Sylvie Arlo

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlen or Esmay more popular?

Arlen is more popular, ranked #1688 compared to Esmay at #6334 in the United States.

What do Arlen and Esmay mean?

Arlen means "pledge, oath" (Irish Gaelic origin). Esmay means "Esteemed, beloved" (Old French origin).

Are Arlen and Esmay boy or girl names?

Arlen is primarily a boy name. Esmay is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Arlen ← Full profile: Esmay Browse all baby names