Declining since 1990, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Arnaldo since 1915
Babies named Arnaldo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 45 |
| 1950s | 151 |
| 1960s | 238 |
| 1970s | 304 |
| 1980s | 484 |
| 1990s | 426 |
| 2000s | 219 |
| 2010s | 120 |
| 2020s | 69 |
Meaning & origin
Arnaldo is the Romance-language form of the classic Germanic name Arnold, meaning "eagle ruler." In the United States, it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1915 and saw its highest usage in 1989, when it ranked significantly higher than today. Since 1990, its popularity has steadily declined, and in 2025 it was given to roughly 1 in every 341,615 newborns. The name remains a common choice in Italian and Spanish-speaking communities, though it has never been among the top U.S. names. Its peak decade was the 1980s, reflecting a broader trend of Italian and Spanish names entering mainstream American usage. While Arnaldo does not currently appear in the top baby names of any state, its enduring presence across decades speaks to its cross-cultural appeal.
Arnaldo is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of the Germanic name Arnold, composed of the elements 'arn' (eagle) and 'wald' (rule). The name was introduced to Italy by the Lombards and became common in medieval times. It has been used across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arni, Arno, Naldo
Sibling names for Arnaldo
Names that share Arnaldo's style, for a brother or sister.
