A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Arlen since 1909
Babies named Arlen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 0 | 5 |
| 1910s | 5 | 106 |
| 1920s | 15 | 389 |
| 1930s | 65 | 1,648 |
| 1940s | 16 | 957 |
| 1950s | 17 | 1,220 |
| 1960s | 7 | 602 |
| 1970s | 16 | 347 |
| 1980s | 48 | 372 |
| 1990s | 120 | 327 |
| 2000s | 212 | 318 |
| 2010s | 166 | 513 |
| 2020s | 122 | 541 |
Meaning & origin
Arlen is a name that has seen modest but persistent use in the United States since it first appeared on record in 1909. Its peak year came in 1934, and after a period of decline, it began rising again in the 2000s. In 2025, it ranked 1585th in the U.S., with a rare occurrence of approximately 1 in every 15,963 births. The name is most common in Tennessee, Washington, and North Carolina. The origins of Arlen are uncertain, but it may have Irish connections or simply be a modern invention. Its simplicity and vowel-heavy sound give it a gentle, unisex appeal. Arlen has not been attached to any famous bearers of significant note, adding to its clean slate for a new generation.
Arlen first appeared in American records around 1909, but its origin is unclear. It may be a variant of the Irish name Arlin, or a modern invented name blending sounds like 'Ar-' and '-len'. Its usage has been mostly unisex, with a peak in the 1930s and a recent revival since 2000.
Where Arlen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Arl, Len
Sibling names for Arlen
Names that share Arlen's style, for a brother or sister.
