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Home › Baby Names Directory › Arlen

Arlen

♀ Girl

Pronounced AR-lən /ˈɑr.lən/High

Meaning: From the Irish Arlen — variously 'a pledge, an oath' and a place-name; predominantly a boys' name; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A pledge, an oath: Arlen is an Irish name — 'a pledge'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls).
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish Arlen — variously 'a pledge, an oath' and a place-name; predominantly a boys' name; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#5576 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births22 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 808

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719182025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Arlen comes from the Irish Arlen — variously understood as 'a pledge, an oath' and a place/surname (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name, predominantly boys' (the songwriter Harold Arlen), used here for girls (slug distinguished; it echoes Arlene; nickname Arlie).

It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, a-pledge at the (likely) root, and crisp.

Did you know? Arlen is an Irish name, variously 'a pledge, an oath' (and a place-name) — a crisp, modern name, predominantly boys', here for girls (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'AR-lən').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Arlen — routes layered

Variations

ArleneArlanArlin

Nicknames

Arlie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arlen…

Arlene— a kin Arl- girls' name
Arlette— a fellow Arl- girls' name
Harlow— a sound-neighbor surname girls' name
Marlen— another -len girls' name

Explore names like Arlen

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Arlen mean?

Arlen is an Irish name, variously 'a pledge, an oath'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Arlen?

It's said AR-lən /ˈɑr.lən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Arlen a boy or girl name?

Arlen is used for both sexes (predominantly boys'); this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Arlen?

Arlen is rare for girls in the U.S.

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