Arlington

Meaning & origin

Arlington is a rare but enduring English place name that has seen modest use as a given name since the late 19th century. First recorded in 1880, the name peaked in 1884, with its popularity likely influenced by the naming traditions of the era and the prominence of Arlington National Cemetery. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2008, reflecting a broader trend of revived place names and surname-style first names. In 2025, Arlington ranked 5,608, a position that places it among the more unusual choices. The name's trajectory is rising, suggesting a slow but steady resurgence, though it remains far from common. With no top states for usage on record, Arlington's appeal appears scattered rather than concentrated regionally, fitting its role as a distinctive, heritage-inspired choice.

Arlington is an English place name derived from the Old English personal name "Earling" or "Ærl" combined with "tun," meaning "settlement" or "enclosure." The name originally referred to a location in Norfolk or other English counties, and later became a surname and given name. As a first name, it saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, likely influenced by surnames and place names, as well as the notoriety of Arlington National Cemetery.