Declining since 2001, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Arial since 1981
Babies named Arial per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 102 |
| 1990s | 431 |
| 2000s | 414 |
| 2010s | 219 |
| 2020s | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Arial is a modern name that first entered the U.S. baby name records in 1981. Despite its association with the ubiquitous typeface, it has never achieved widespread use; its peak popularity occurred in 1991, when it ranked highest, though still far off the top names. Since 2001, its usage has been steadily falling, reflecting its status as a rare and unconventional choice. In the most recent year available, 2025, approximately 1 in 200,908 newborns received the name, placing it at rank 10,917. While the name saw some intermittent activity in the 1990s and early 2000s, it has remained a fringe selection, never appearing among top state rankings. Its sound mirrors more popular names like Aria and Arielle, but Arial itself has not gathered a consistent following. For parents seeking a name with a modern, typographic nod, Arial offers a clean, phonetic spelling, but its rarity means it will likely remain a unique choice.
Arial is a modern invention, first recorded as a given name in 1981. It was likely inspired by the Arial typeface, designed in 1982, though the name may have existed independently as a variant of Arielle or a feminine form of Aric. Its usage remains rare and is primarily found in English-speaking countries.
Sibling names for Arial
Names that share Arial's style, for a brother or sister.
