Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Arlo
BoyEnglish
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- AHR-loh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #148
- US babies 2025
- 2,443
- Best rank
- #146 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Arlo
Arlo is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Arlo is not settled. Some link it to the English place and surname Harlow, some to the Spanish word for the barberry bush, and others to an Italian form of Charles, but none of these is certain. The name became familiar in the United States through folk singer Arlo Guthrie, son of Woody Guthrie, and later through the animated film The Good Dinosaur. Arlo's short, two-syllable shape and friendly o ending give it a vintage-meets-modern feel, much like Milo and Otto. It stands comfortably on its own and needs no nickname.
Famous parents who chose Arlo: Julia Stiles and Preston J. Cook (2022). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Arlo first appears in US Social Security records in 1899. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years, starting in 1900. Its best national rank was #146 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,490 babies. In 2025, 2,443 babies were named Arlo, and it ranked #148 nationally. That is 322% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #718 in 1920, #1,220 in 1950, #1,659 in 1980, #2,530 in 2000, #1,048 in 2010, and #148 in 2025. Of the 24,245 US boys named Arlo since records began, 54% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,789 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Beckett, Elian, Emilio, Matteo, and Colter.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arlo ranked highest in Wyoming, Vermont, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | #39 | 10 |
| Vermont | #48 | 9 |
| Minnesota | #65 | 86 |
| North Dakota | #65 | 16 |
| Colorado | #66 | 89 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Arlo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Arlo is usually pronounced AHR-loh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-lo”.
Middle names for Arlo
A few middle names that flow with Arlo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arlo
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Lists that include Arlo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arlo mean?
Arlo is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Arlo?
Arlo has English roots. The origin of Arlo is not settled.
Is Arlo a popular name?
Yes. Arlo ranked #148 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Arlo a boy or girl name?
Arlo is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Arlo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Arlo?
Arlo is usually pronounced AHR-loh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings