Declining since 2005, #6,116 for girls today.
Popularity of Arleen since 1898
Babies named Arleen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 73 |
| 1910s | 536 |
| 1920s | 1,610 |
| 1930s | 1,537 |
| 1940s | 2,560 |
| 1950s | 2,182 |
| 1960s | 1,812 |
| 1970s | 331 |
| 1980s | 304 |
| 1990s | 372 |
| 2000s | 547 |
| 2010s | 527 |
| 2020s | 208 |
Meaning & origin
Arleen first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1898 and saw its highest usage in 1939, when it ranked among the more common names of the era. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in every 84,593 newborns, placing it at rank 6,116. Its trajectory has been falling since 2005, with a notable peak in the 1930s. California is a top state for the name. As a variant of Arlene, Arleen shares the sound and style of mid-20th-century coinages, often grouped with names like Marlene and Darlene. While never among the top 100, its steady decline suggests it remains a rare but recognizable choice.
Arleen is a variant of Arlene, a name coined in the 19th century, likely a blend of Marie/Arlene or influenced by the Irish name Arleen, which itself may derive from the Gaelic 'Airlinn' meaning 'pledge' or 'oath'. The name gained popularity in the United States in the early 1900s, peaking in the 1930s.
Where Arleen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arlie, Lena, Lee
Sibling names for Arleen
Names that share Arleen's style, for a brother or sister.
