A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Arnold since 1880
Babies named Arnold per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Arnold's real moment was 1916.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 404 |
| 1890s | 859 |
| 1900s | 1,546 |
| 1910s | 12,586 |
| 1920s | 19,531 |
| 1930s | 17,888 |
| 1940s | 16,036 |
| 1950s | 13,196 |
| 1960s | 9,501 |
| 1970s | 3,688 |
| 1980s | 2,578 |
| 1990s | 2,695 |
| 2000s | 1,696 |
| 2010s | 1,000 |
| 2020s | 642 |
Meaning & origin
Arnold is a classic Germanic name that saw its peak American popularity in 1916, when it ranked as high as 1477th. After decades of decline, it entered a rising trajectory in 2013 and has been gradually climbing ever since. In 2025, it was given to about 1 in every 14,234 boys, reflecting a modest revival. The name was especially favored in states such as Minnesota, Indiana, and Ohio, indicating a midwestern stronghold. With its strong eagle symbolism and vintage appeal, Arnold fits the current trend of early 20th-century revivals.
Arnold derives from the Old High German elements 'arn' (eagle) and 'wald' (power, rule). Introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066, it was used throughout the medieval period and experienced a revival in the 19th century, particularly in German-speaking regions. In the United States, its strongest popularity came in the early 20th century, peaking in 1916.
Where Arnold 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.
“Arnold” around the world
Where Arnold lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arnie, Arno, Nold
Sibling names for Arnold
Names that share Arnold's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ethel, Mildred, Bertha, Clara, Edith, Irma, Arnetta, Arnita, Genevie, Valinda, Arnetha, Gertude, Haroldine, Arneda, Arnella, Arnelle, Arnice, Arnisha, Deneice, Janyth, Norena, Renarda
Brothers: Albert, Walter, Herman, Oscar, Theodore, Gilbert, Adolph, Conrad, Erwin, Lambert, Adelbert, Gerold, Arnel, Dervin, Humbert, Mansel, Rodolph
