What does Arlo mean and where does it come from?
Arlo is of Anglo-Saxon origin and gained popularity as a first name in the 21st century. It was traditionally a surname in England. Some associate it with Spanish 'arlo', meaning a hill or barrow, while in Anglo-Saxon roots, it relates to a 'fortified hill'. The name has seen a rise in popularity du
Cultural significance
Arlo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fortified hill.
Peak popularity
Reached #2090 in 2020 — currently #158 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Arlo?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Arlo?
Arlo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arlo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arlo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arlo Claire
French influence · crisp
Arlo Jane
Literary · strong
Arlo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Arlo right now?
Rising — up 11 spots — currently #158 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #158 | 2,305 | ▲ up 11 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #169 | 2,220 | ▲ up 21 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #190 | 1,990 | ▲ up 1900 · +2187% births |
| 2020 | #2090 | 87 | ▲ up 2314 · +172% births |
| 2015 | #4404 | 32 | ▲ up 10625 · +433% births |
| 2010 | #15029 | 6 | — |
The story of Arlo
Arlo entered American naming records in 1929 and has been in use for over 95 years. A total of 13,195 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15029 in 2010 to #158 in 2023. Arlo is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Arlo in 2020:
Arlo by decade
Arlo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 35 | |
| 1910s | 477 | |
| 1920s | 731 | |
| 1930s | 700 | |
| 1940s | 422 | |
| 1950s | 282 | |
| 1960s | 134 | |
| 1970s | 376 | |
| 1980s | 254 | |
| 1990s | 210 | |
| 2000s | 700 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,097 | |
| 2020s | 1,772 | |
What names sound and feel like Arlo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arlo also consider these
Common questions about the name Arlo
What does the name Arlo mean?
Arlo means "Fortified hill" — 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 Arlo?
Arlo is currently ranked #158 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arlo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arlo?
Arlo 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 Arlo?
Arlo is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 R L OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Arlo trending right now?
Arlo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.