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Arlington

♀ Girl

Pronounced AR-ling-tun /ˈɑːr.lɪŋ.tən/Medium

Meaning: Arlington is an English place and surname name, from an Old English personal name (likely Aelfred or Herela) plus -ing-tun, 'settlement of'. Used here for a girl though it leans to boys and surname use, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A stately place name: Arlington is an English 'settlement' surname (said 'AR-ling-tun'). More often a boy's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningArlington is an English place and surname name, from an Old English personal name (likely Aelfred or Herela) plus -ing-tun, 'settlement of'. Used here for a girl though it leans to boys and surname use, which we note.

U.S. rank (2025)#12054 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 115

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

As a name, Arlington is an English place/surname, built from an Old English personal name plus -ing-tun ('settlement of'). For girls it is rare and reads as a modern surname pick; more often a boy's name, which we note (said 'AR-ling-tun').

For girls it appears only very rarely in the U.S., against heavier boys' and surname use. Very rare, stately, and surname-style.

Did you know? Arlington is an English place and surname name — 'the settlement of' an Old English lord — best known from Arlington, Virginia. It's used here for a girl, though it leans to boys, which we note (said 'AR-ling-tun').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Arlington — English place/surname; cross-sex, boy-leaning

Variations

ArlingtynArlyngtonArlington

Nicknames

ArlieArtieLington

Famous Bearers

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If you like Arlington…

Harlow— a like place/surname girl's name

Ellington— a like -ington surname pick

Remington— a like -ington unisex name

Arden— a like Ar-, place-style choice

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By themeplace-name surname cross-sex unisex-lean-boy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Arlington mean?

Arlington is an English place and surname name meaning 'settlement of' an Old English lord.

How do you pronounce Arlington?

It's said AR-ling-tun /ˈɑːr.lɪŋ.tən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Arlington a boy or girl name?

Arlington is used for both, but far more often for boys — we note the lean.

How popular is Arlington?

Arlington is very rare for girls in the U.S. and more common for boys.