What does Arlington mean and where does it come from?
Arlington is traditionally a surname and has transitioned into a first name, especially for females. It is primarily associated with Arlington, Virginia, which is known for its historical significance. The name carries a sense of place and history, making it increasingly popular as a unique first na
Cultural significance
Arlington has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the name of a town, meaning 'the estate of aelfhere'.
Peak popularity
Reached #8125 in 2019 — currently #4354 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Arlington?
Arlington works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arlington Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arlington Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arlington Mae
Sweet · timeless
Arlington Claire
French influence · crisp
Arlington Jane
Literary · strong
Arlington Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Arlington right now?
Rising fast — up 1539 spots — currently #4354 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4354 | 24 | ▲ up 1539 · +60% births |
| 2022 | #5893 | 15 | ▲ up 153 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #6046 | 14 | ▲ up 6012 · +100% births |
| 2020 | #12058 | 7 | ▼ down 219 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #11839 | 8 | — |
The story of Arlington
Arlington is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2011. With 1,567 total births recorded, Arlington remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11839 in 2015 to #4354 in 2023. Arlington is used for both genders: 5% female and 95% male.
Names that peaked alongside Arlington in 2019:
Arlington by decade
Arlington peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 42 | |
| 1890s | 24 | |
| 1900s | 35 | |
| 1910s | 244 | |
| 1920s ★ | 261 | |
| 1930s | 181 | |
| 1940s | 146 | |
| 1950s | 113 | |
| 1960s | 73 | |
| 1970s | 68 | |
| 1980s | 67 | |
| 1990s | 62 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s | 180 | |
| 2020s | 26 | |
💎With 1,567 total births, Arlington is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Arlington?
What names sound and feel like Arlington?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arlington also consider these
Common questions about the name Arlington
What does the name Arlington mean?
Arlington means "derived from the name of a town, meaning 'the estate of Aelfhere'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Arlington?
Arlington is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arlington have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arlington?
Arlington originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Arlington?
Arlington is a three-syllable name pronounced AA1 R L IH0 NG T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Arlington?
Arlington pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.