Rising since 1993, #148 for boys today.
Popularity of Arlo since 1899
Babies named Arlo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 35 |
| 1910s | 477 |
| 1920s | 726 |
| 1930s | 688 |
| 1940s | 422 |
| 1950s | 282 |
| 1960s | 134 |
| 1970s | 376 |
| 1980s | 254 |
| 1990s | 211 |
| 2000s | 695 |
| 2010s | 6,789 |
| 2020s | 13,151 |
Meaning & origin
Arlo is a short, modern-sounding name that has experienced a striking surge in popularity. First recorded in U.S. data in 1899, it remained rare for nearly a century before reemerging in the 1990s. Since 1993, its trajectory has been consistently rising, and in 2025 it ranked 148th nationally with a frequency of 1 in 699 births. Its peak year so far is 2024, suggesting continued growth. Arlo is most popular in Wyoming, Vermont, and North Dakota, reflecting a strong preference in rural and outdoor-oriented regions. The appeal likely stems from its soft sound and association with folk musician Arlo Guthrie, though its etymology remains uncertain, adding an air of mystery. Parents drawn to names like Theodore, Waylon, and Hayes often consider Arlo for its similar warmth and vintage-modern feel.
Arlo is a name of debated derivation. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a modern invention possibly based on the Swedish name Arvid or the Italian Arlo (a variant of Carlo). The name rose to prominence in the late 20th century, popularized by Woody Guthrie's son Arlo Guthrie. It entered the U.S. top 1000 in 2003 and has since climbed steadily.
Where Arlo 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.
“Arlo” around the world
Where Arlo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Ireland
#54
in 2025
New Zealand
#38
in 2025
Quebec
67
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#47
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ar, Lo
Sibling names for Arlo
Names that share Arlo's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Wren, Hazel, Elara, Clara, Arleth, Elsie, Etta, Harlow, Indie, Nova, Ola, Pepper, Poppy, Sage, Willow, Winona, Acacia, Arla, Arlee, Arlet, Avie, Enola, Minda, Vella, Adda, Aella, Anona, Ardean, Arly, Arma, Arta, Aster, Blimy, Dallie, Ellar, Eller, Fancy, Harlo, Landy, Olla, Orma, Posey, Shevy, Sundae, Xoe, Aivy, Akela, Arkie, Arlethia, Arloa, Emmalou, Iley, Mayvis, Nolie, Poppi, Wynnie, Ellawyn, Aisla, Ajna, Almee, Anyra, Arlowe, Arnella, Arzoi, Azaela, Beola, Burna, Cedra, Cozy, Elide, Frimmy, Hailo, Lowe, Omah, Patches, Pippin, Riverly, Sibley, Tippi, Vali, Velisa, Winslet, Yasna
Brothers: Theodore, Waylon, Otto, Jasper, Finn, Atlas, Bodie, Kit, Luca, Olin, Otis, Ramsey, Theo, Bowie, Collis, Lonzo, Adron, Alto, Arlow, Arsen, Avett, Bruin, Darrow, Emit, Ilo, Ival, Monti, Newt, Ollis, Orlo, Oslo, Ovie, Rigby, Wolfe, Arkin, Eldin, Elray, Evo, Onix, Rorik, Weller, Wyeth, Emrik, Amais, Amnen, Anzel, Arkyn, Ashyr, Auren, Axil, Ayvin, Berley, Calcifer, Caspen, Dover, Eames, Elean, Endi, Euro, Ferron, Jago, Lelend, Lukka, Oli, Olman, Poe, Taika, Voris, Zolan
Names like Arlo
Names whose popularity has moved with Arlo's over the last 50 years.
