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Arda
Pronounced AR-dah /ΛΙr.dΙ/Medium
Meaning: From Turkish Arda β a river name (and modern name); also linked to 'a fertile/holy place'; and the name of the world in Tolkien's legendarium; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Arda comes from Turkish Arda β a river of the Balkans and a popular modern name (also linked to 'a holy or fertile place'). It is separately the name Tolkien gave to the entire world in his legendarium (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, distinctive name (footballer Arda Turan).
In the U.S. it appears in Turkish families. Rare, a-river-or-the-world at the root, and distinctive.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Arda mean?
Arda is a Turkish name (a river, and 'a holy place'), and the name of the world in Tolkien; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Arda?
It's said AR-dah /ΛΙr.dΙ/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Arda a boy or girl name?
Arda is a boy's name.
How popular is Arda?
Arda is a rare name in the U.S.