Declining since 2015, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Arek since 1971
Babies named Arek per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 86 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 84 |
| 2020s | 60 |
Meaning & origin
Arek is a Polish given name, most commonly a diminutive of Arkadiusz. In the United States, it has appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list since 1971, but it has never been widespread. Its peak year was 2003, though its usage has been declining since around 2015. Despite its relative rarity, Arek has a steady presence among families with Polish heritage, who may choose it as a distinctive alternative to its longer root name Arkadiusz. The trajectory of falling popularity suggests it remains a niche choice, valued for its cultural resonance rather than mainstream appeal.
Arek is a Polish diminutive and variant of Arkadiusz, itself the Polish form of the Latin Arcadius, derived from Arcadia, a region in ancient Greece symbolizing pastoral idyll. The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Arcadius of Mauretania. In Poland, Arek gained popularity as an independent given name in the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Areczek
Variants: Arkadiusz, Arkus
Sibling names for Arek
Names that share Arek's style, for a brother or sister.
