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Arlet

♀ Girl

Pronounced ar-LET /ɑːrˈlɛt/High

Meaning: Variant of Arlette, a French diminutive of Germanic Arla or Arlette, from the element arn meaning eagle combined with a diminutive suffix; popular in Latin America as a standalone given nameMedium

In 30 seconds: A compact, two-syllable name of Germanic origin filtered through French, Arlet is particularly popular in Latin American communities and carries a sharp, elegant sound.
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Origin MediumSpanish, Germanic, French
MeaningVariant of Arlette, a French diminutive of Germanic Arla or Arlette, from the element arn meaning eagle combined with a diminutive suffix; popular in Latin America as a standalone given name
U.S. rank (2025)#642 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births450 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,342

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319182025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Arlet is a simplified form of the French name Arlette, itself a diminutive of medieval Germanic names containing the element arn (eagle). The French Arlette was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, lending the name medieval Norman prestige. As French naming conventions spread through European and colonial influence, variants of the name traveled to Latin America.

In contemporary use, Arlet is found most frequently in Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in Mexico and Central America, where it has been embraced as a given name with a modern, international feel. In the United States it charts among Latino communities and has appeared in the top 500 girls' names. Its crisp two-syllable sound and the strong -et ending give it a fresh, contemporary appeal.

Did you know? The French form Arlette was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror — she was a tanner's daughter whose son would go on to conquer England in 1066, giving the name a quietly historic pedigree.
Overall data confidence 75%
U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ArletteArlettArleta

Nicknames

Arli

Famous Bearers

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If you like Arlet…

Arlette— direct extended form sharing the same Germanic-French root
Scarlett— shares the sharp -ett ending and the same crisp, confident feminine energy
Juliette— fellow French-origin name ending in -ette with Romance-language elegance
Lisette— another compact French diminutive with the same bright, modern feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Arlet mean?

Arlet is a form of Arlette, from Germanic roots meaning eagle. It carries the sense of little eagle or noble, through the element arn.

How do you pronounce Arlet?

It is said ar-LET /ɑːrˈlɛt/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Where is Arlet popular?

Arlet is most popular in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Central America, and among Latino communities in the United States.

Is Arlet the same as Arlette?

Arlet is a simplified form of the French name Arlette; both share the same Germanic root.