Rising since 1985, #2,284 for boys today.
Popularity of Arsalan since 1985
Babies named Arsalan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 28 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 328 |
Meaning & origin
Arsalan, a name of Persian origin meaning 'lion,' has been steadily gaining ground in the United States since it first appeared in Social Security records in 1985. In 2025, the name ranked 2,284 with a 1-in-28,001 incidence among newborn boys, having reached its highest popularity to date in 2023. This upward trajectory reflects a growing appreciation for names with strong, cross-cultural resonance. Arsalan is most common in Virginia, New York, and California, states with significant Persian and South Asian communities. The name's martial and royal connotations make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a meaningful and internationally recognizable name.
Arsalan derives from the Persian and Turkish word for 'lion,' a symbol of courage and royalty. It is a traditional name across Persianate and Turkic cultures, particularly in Iran, Turkey, and Central Asia. The name gained broader recognition through historical figures such as the 12th-century Seljuk Sultan Arslan, though its use in the United States is a more recent phenomenon.
Where Arsalan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Arsalan” around the world
Where Arsalan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arsi, Alan, Salan
Variants: Arslan, Arselan
Sibling names for Arsalan
Names that share Arsalan's style, for a brother or sister.
