A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Orlin since 1908
Babies named Orlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 202 |
| 1920s | 360 |
| 1930s | 300 |
| 1940s | 198 |
| 1950s | 104 |
| 1960s | 54 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 145 |
| 2020s | 114 |
Meaning & origin
Orlin first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1908, a quiet entry that peaked in 1932 during the Great Depression. After decades of obscurity, the name has been rising again since 1996, reflecting a broader revival of vintage American names. In the latest year (2025), Orlin ranked 4,539 nationally, with an incidence of just 1 in 77,640 births. Its highest concentration remains in Texas, where it has held steady appeal. The trajectory suggests a slow but steady comeback, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name with early 20th-century roots.
Orlin is likely a modern American coinage, possibly a variant of Orland or Orlinus. It may also derive from an Old English place name meaning 'hill meadow'. The name saw modest use in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1930s, and has recently experienced a revival since 1996.
Where Orlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Or, Orie
Sibling names for Orlin
Names that share Orlin's style, for a brother or sister.
