All about the name

Arlo

Male

« Arlo is a male given name of Pawnee Native American origin, meaning "between two hills," traditionally given to boys born between peaks or valleys. It gained popularity through Edgar Lee Masters' poetry collection "Spoon River Anthology" and is famously associated with folk singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Arlo is a unique and distinctive male given name of Native American origin, specifically from the Pawnee tribe. The name Arlo is derived from the Pawnee word " Harlow," which means "between two hills." It was traditionally given to boys who were born between two peaks or in a valley between two mountains. The name Arlo gained significant popularity outside of its Native American origins through the works of American poet Edgar Lee Masters. Masters included a character named Arly Boland in his collection of poems, "Spoon River Anthology," published in 1915. The character's name was later anglicized to Arlo for the 1936 play adaptation by John Dos Passos. In popular culture, Arlo is perhaps best known as the given name of American folk singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie, son of the legendary Woody Guthrie. Arlo Guthrie has had a successful music career and is known for his protest songs, such as "Alice's Restaurant," which gained popularity in the 1960s. The name Arlo has also been used by several other notable individuals throughout history, including American actor Arlo Hohl, known for his role in the television series "Picket Fences," and Canadian musician Arlo Parks, who gained fame with her debut album "Collapsed in Sunbeams" in 2021. Overall, Arlo is a rare and unique given name with an interesting history and Native American roots. Its popularity has been influenced by its use in literature and popular culture, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a less common name for their son.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Arlo since 1880

Total births
19,288
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
2,297 births
in 2023
2,297
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+206%
vs previous 5 years