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Arlette

♀ Girl

Pronounced ar-LET /ɑːrˈlɛt/High

Meaning: French feminine diminutive of a Germanic name composed of 'arn' (eagle) and possibly 'leod' (people, power) or 'ald' (old, great); meaning 'eagle power' or a feminine elaboration of Arles/ArnoldMedium

In 30 seconds: Arlette is a chic French name with Germanic roots suggesting eagle power. Elegant and rare in English-speaking countries, it carries Norman French history and a distinctly sophisticated European flair.
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Origin MediumFrench, Germanic
MeaningFrench feminine diminutive of a Germanic name composed of 'arn' (eagle) and possibly 'leod' (people, power) or 'ald' (old, great); meaning 'eagle power' or a feminine elaboration of Arles/Arnold
U.S. rank (2025)#494 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births600 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,108

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519132025

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

History & Origin

Arlette is a French feminine name with Germanic roots. It may be a diminutive of a Germanic compound related to arn (eagle) or a Norman French feminine form of names like Arnold or Arles. The most historically notable Arlette was Arlette of Falaise (c. 1003–c. 1050), the mother of William the Conqueror, giving the name a direct link to the Norman Conquest of England.

Arlette was a popular name in France in the mid-20th century, partly through French actress Arletty (Léonie Bathiat, 1898–1992). In English-speaking countries it has been rare but is occasionally chosen for its sophisticated French feel and the -ette feminine diminutive suffix that gives it an elegant, almost petite quality.

Did you know? Arlette was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror — the Norman duke who invaded England in 1066 and changed the course of English history. Arlette of Falaise, a tanner's daughter who became Duke Robert I's mistress, gave birth to the man who became one of history's most consequential rulers.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name — Arlette — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ArlettArletArletty

Nicknames

ArlyLettieLette

Famous Bearers

  • ★Arlette of Falaise (c. 1003–c. 1050)
    Mother of William the Conqueror (c. 1003–c. 1050), one of history's most consequential women

If you like Arlette…

Colette— shares the French -ette diminutive tradition and the same Gallic chic
Lisette— another petite French -ette name with the same elegant diminutive quality
Brigitte— shares the French feminine -ette ending and the same mid-century French glamour
Yvette— shares the French -ette suffix and the same understated French sophistication

Frequently Asked

What does Arlette mean?

Arlette is a French feminine name with Germanic roots suggesting 'eagle power.' Its exact etymology is uncertain but relates to the eagle element 'arn' in Germanic names.

How do you pronounce Arlette?

Arlette is pronounced ar-LET /ɑːrˈlɛt/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Who was the historical Arlette?

Arlette of Falaise was the mother of William the Conqueror, the Norman duke who invaded England in 1066. Her son changed the course of English history and language.

Is Arlette a popular name?

Arlette is rare in English-speaking countries but has been used in France and is occasionally chosen in the U.S. by parents drawn to its French elegance.