Arlow

Meaning & origin

Arlow is a modern spelling variant of Arlo, a name that has seen a resurgence in recent decades. While Arlo itself has gained popularity, Arlow remains much rarer; in 2025 it ranked only 3,128th, given to about 1 in 44,949 children. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, but its notable rise began around 2011, peaking in popularity in 2022. Arlow is used for both boys and girls, though predominantly for boys, with Iowa (IA) being its top state. Its gentle sound and nature-adjacent feel have contributed to its appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name. The etymology is debated, with possible Old English roots meaning 'army hill' or Irish surname origins, but uncertainty remains.

Arlow is a modern variant of the name Arlo, which has uncertain origins. The name Arlo may be derived from the Old English elements 'here' (army) and 'hlaw' (hill), meaning 'army hill'. Alternatively, it could be an anglicized form of the Irish surname Arlow, itself a variant of O'Herlihy. The name Arlo saw a revival in the late 20th century, and Arlow emerged as a spelling variant in the 21st century, gaining modest popularity in the United States.