“Arnold is traditionally a male name but has been used for females in recent years, especially in creative naming trends”
Germanic origin · Unisex name
♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls
#1639US 2023
105Births / yr
↓Falling
103.8kAll-time births
📅 Since 191200
How to pronounce Arnold
AH·rnuld
/ˈɑ.rnəld/ · stress on AH · 2 syllables
“Arnold is traditionally a male name but has been used for females in recent years, especially in creative naming trends”
Germanic origin · Unisex name
What does Arnold mean and where does it come from?
Arnold is traditionally a male name but has been used for females in recent years, especially in creative naming trends. It gained popularity in various cultures thanks to notable figures, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor and politician. The name has historical roots in Germany and Old Eng
Cultural significance
Arnold has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #1776 in 1929 — currently #1639 in the US.
Falling — down 116 spots — currently #1639 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1915–2023#1639 · Top 1.2%
1915
1920
1925
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#1639
105
▼ down 116 · -11% births
2022
#1523
118
▲ up 33 · +5% births
2021
#1556
112
▲ up 6474 · +2140% births
1970
#8030
5
▼ down 1460
1965
#6570
5
▼ down 2119 · -44% births
1960
#4451
9
▲ up 310 · +29% births
1955
#4761
7
▲ up 561 · +40% births
1950
#5322
5
▼ down 731
1945
#4591
5
▼ down 2148 · -58% births
1940
#2443
12
▲ up 1007 · +71% births
1935
#3450
7
▼ down 746 · -36% births
1930
#2704
11
▼ down 201 · -21% births
1925
#2503
14
▲ up 849 · +56% births
1920
#3352
9
▼ down 808 · -18% births
1915
#2544
11
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Arnold
2022Rank #1523
118
#3696
↘Falling
1915 - 202315 years
The story of Arnold
Arnold entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. More than 103,826 babies have been named Arnold since 1912. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2544 in 1915 to #1639 in 2023. Arnold is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Arnold means "German" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Arnold?
Arnold is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Arnold?
Arnold originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Arnold?
Arnold is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 R N AH0 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Arnold a common or rare name?
Arnold is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Sibling names that pair with Arnold
For a sister
Arnold & Max♡
Arnold & Emma♡
Arnold & Wilta♡
Arnold & Frederick♡
For a brother
Arnold & Robert♡
Arnold & Max♡
Arnold & Voight♡
Arnold & Frederick♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#1639
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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