Arlyn

♀ Girl

Arlyn Pronunciation

Arlyn is pronounced AR-lin /ˈɑr.lɪn/High

Meaning: Modern American name read variously as a short Arlene/Marilyn, an -lyn blend, or a Hebrew-influenced name linked to 'pledge'Low

In 30 seconds: A streamlined midcentury echo: Arlyn trims Arlene or Marilyn into two crisp syllables. River Phoenix's mother bore it — a name with hippie-era warmth and a -lyn backbone.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningModern American name read variously as a short Arlene/Marilyn, an -lyn blend, or a Hebrew-influenced name linked to 'pledge'

U.S. rank (2024)#3507 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births44 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,308

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Arlyn is a modern American name of converging routes: a clipped Arlene or Marilyn, an -lyn coinage on the Ar- opening, and, in some Jewish families, a name linked by sound to Hebrew naming. No single source dominates; the -lyn fashion carries it.

It appears thinly across decades for both sexes, leaning female. Rare, mellow, and midcentury-rooted.

Did you know? Arlyn Phoenix, mother of River and Joaquin, helped make the name quietly memorable in American counterculture — a -lyn name with a famous family tree.

Overall data confidence 62%

U.S. Social Security Administration name files — usage; origin mixed

Variations

ArleneArlynnArline

Nicknames

Lyn

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arlyn…

Arlene— the fuller form it may abbreviate

Marilyn— the classic -lyn it echoes

Raelyn— a fellow modern -lyn blend

Carolyn— the companion vintage -lyn name

→ See all names like Arlyn

Browse the whole category: All American names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Arlyn?

Arlyn is pronounced AR-lin (/ˈɑr.lɪn/). Press play above to hear Arlyn said aloud.

How do you say Arlyn?

Arlyn is said AR-lin (/ˈɑr.lɪn/). Press play above to hear Arlyn said aloud.

What does the name Arlyn mean?

Arlyn is a modern name read variously as a short Arlene or Marilyn or an -lyn blend; no single origin dominates.

Is Arlyn a boy or girl name?

Arlyn is used for both sexes, leaning female; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Arlyn?

Arlyn is a rare name in the U.S.