What does Arlow mean and where does it come from?
Arlow is a modern and uncommon variation of the name Arlo. Though traditionally male, it has been adopted in recent years as a female name. Its popularity has grown particularly in the United States. It reflects a trend towards gender-neutral names.
Cultural significance
Arlow has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a blend of names, originating from 'arlo', which means 'fortified hill' and possibly 'from the hare hill'.
Peak popularity
Reached #7515 in 2020 — currently #3627 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Arlow?
Arlow works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arlow Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arlow Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arlow Mae
Sweet · timeless
Arlow Claire
French influence · crisp
Arlow Jane
Literary · strong
Arlow Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Arlow right now?
Falling — down 662 spots — currently #3627 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3627 | 31 | ▼ down 662 · -26% births |
| 2022 | #2965 | 42 | ▲ up 1979 · +121% births |
| 2021 | #4944 | 19 | ▲ up 2571 · +36% births |
| 2020 | #7515 | 14 | ▲ up 9059 · +180% births |
| 2015 | #16574 | 5 | — |
The story of Arlow
Arlow is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2015. With 243 total births recorded, Arlow remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16574 in 2015 to #3627 in 2023. Arlow is used for both genders: 18% female and 82% male.
Names that peaked alongside Arlow in 2020:
Arlow by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 24 | |
| 1920s | 47 | |
| 1930s | 23 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 2010s ★ | 114 | |
| 2020s | 30 | |
💎Arlow has only 243 total recorded births since 2015 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Arlow?
What names sound and feel like Arlow?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arlow also consider these
Common questions about the name Arlow
What does the name Arlow mean?
Arlow means "A blend of names, originating from 'Arlo', which means 'fortified hill' and possibly 'from the hare 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 Arlow?
Arlow is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arlow have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arlow?
Arlow 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.
Is Arlow trending right now?
Arlow is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Arlow a common or rare name?
Arlow is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.