Arlin

♂ Boy

Pronounced AR-lin /ˈɑːr.lɪn/High

Meaning: Pledge; oath; a variant of Arlen or Arlene, from German/Irish Arlin (eagle land) or from Celtic arlen (pledge, oath)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of uncertain etymology, possibly from German (eagle land), Celtic (pledge/oath), or an Americanized form of Arlen/Arlene. Its two-syllable warmth gives it an accessible, friendly character.

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Origin MediumGerman, English

MeaningPledge; oath; a variant of Arlen or Arlene, from German/Irish Arlin (eagle land) or from Celtic arlen (pledge, oath)

U.S. rank (2025)#2768 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births46 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1935

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,072

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Arlin may derive from German (ar: eagle + lin: land/soft) or Celtic arlen (pledge, oath). It may also be an Americanized form of the Irish name Arlen or an independent American coinage. The exact etymology is uncertain.

Arlin ranked #2418 for boys in 2024. Its use reflects modest interest in distinctive two-syllable names with soft -lin endings.

Did you know? Arlen Specter (1930–2012), the U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania who served five terms and was known for his role in the JFK assassination investigation, bore a close variant of this name — making Arlin/Arlen associated with decades of American political history.

Overall data confidence 72%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ArlenArlanArlene

Nicknames

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If you like Arlin…

Arlen— the standard spelling of the same name

Armin— echoes that soft -in sound

Korbin— another English name

Taylin— another English name

Daylin— shares the -in ending

Explore names like Arlin

By themetwo-syllable german celtic uncertain-origin

By meaningBird

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Arlin mean?

Arlin's etymology is uncertain — possibly 'pledge/oath' from Celtic, 'eagle land' from German, or an Americanized form of Arlen.

How do you pronounce Arlin?

It's said AR-lin /ˈɑːr.lɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Arlin a boy or girl name?

Arlin is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Arlin?

Arlin ranked #2418 for U.S. boys in 2024.