Arlo Name Meaning
The name Arlo may mean 'fortified hill' or 'between two hills.' Discover Arlo's debated origin, pronunciation, personality, famous bearers, and rising popularity.
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Quick answer
Arlo's meaning is debated; it is commonly given as 'fortified hill' or 'between two hills.' The name was popularized by the place name 'Arlo Hill' in Edmund Spenser's epic poem The Faerie Queene, and it may also have Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse roots. It is a vintage-cool boy name pronounced AR-loh.
What Does the Name Arlo Mean?
Arlo’s meaning is genuinely uncertain, which is part of its appeal. It is most commonly interpreted as “fortified hill” or “between two hills,” though name scholars disagree on its true source.
The most widely cited origin traces the name to the poet Edmund Spenser, who used “Arlo Hill” as a place name in his epic poem The Faerie Queene (1590s) — possibly adapting the Irish place name Aherlow (a valley in County Tipperary). Other sources suggest Anglo-Saxon, Old English, or Old Norse roots related to a fortified or army-associated hill.
Origin and Etymology
| Possible Source | Detail |
|---|---|
| Edmund Spenser | ”Arlo Hill” in The Faerie Queene (1590s) |
| Irish Aherlow | A glen/valley in Tipperary |
| Anglo-Saxon/Old English | ”Fortified hill” interpretation |
| Old Norse / Germanic | Army or hill-related roots |
Unlike strongly etymological names, Arlo’s charm lies partly in its mystery and its vintage, literary, folksy character. It became established as a personal name primarily in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in America.
How to Pronounce Arlo
Arlo is pronounced AR-loh — two syllables, stress on the first, with “ar” rhyming with “car” and a long “o” at the end. It is intuitive and rarely mispronounced, contributing to its broad modern appeal.
Personality Associations
Arlo carries a warm, characterful, slightly artistic image:
- Easygoing and friendly — a relaxed, sunny sound
- Creative and folksy — the artistic, vintage feel
- Independent — distinctive and a touch unconventional
- Charming and gentle — soft yet grounded
- Adventurous — a free-spirited character
Famous People and Characters Named Arlo
| Name | Known For |
|---|---|
| Arlo Guthrie | American folk singer (Alice’s Restaurant) |
| Arlo | The young dinosaur in Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur |
| Arlo Parks | British singer-songwriter and poet |
Is Arlo a Boy or Girl Name?
Arlo is predominantly a boy’s name and most popular as such. Its soft, friendly sound, however, has led to growing use as a unisex or girl’s name in recent years — much like other “o”-ending names such as Milo and Theo.
Popularity and Variants
Arlo has surged in popularity across the US, UK, and Australia over the past decade, fitting the fashionable cluster of short, vintage, “o”-ending boy names — alongside Milo, Theo, Hugo, and Otto. Its hipster-cool, folksy charm — boosted by folk legend Arlo Guthrie — has made it a strong contemporary favorite.
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Arlow / Arlowe | Spelling variants |
| Harlow | Related name (different origin) |
| Arlo | Usually used in full |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Arlo mean?
Arlo's exact meaning is uncertain, which is part of its charm. It is most commonly interpreted as 'fortified hill' or 'between two hills.' The name's modern use is largely traced to 'Arlo Hill,' a place invented by the poet Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene (1590s). Some sources also link it to Anglo-Saxon, Old English, or Old Norse roots, or to the Irish place name Aherlow.
What is the origin of the name Arlo?
Arlo's origin is debated. The most cited source is the poet Edmund Spenser, who used 'Arlo Hill' as a place name in The Faerie Queene, possibly adapting the Irish 'Aherlow' (a valley in Tipperary). Others suggest Anglo-Saxon or Germanic roots meaning a fortified or army-related hill. It became established as a personal name primarily in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in America.
How do you pronounce Arlo?
Arlo is pronounced AR-loh (two syllables, stress on the first), with 'ar' rhyming with 'car' and a long 'o' at the end. It is straightforward and rarely mispronounced, which is part of its broad modern appeal.
Is Arlo a boy or girl name?
Arlo is predominantly a boy's name and is most popular as such. However, its soft, friendly sound has led to growing use as a unisex or girl's name in recent years. While still mainly masculine, it is increasingly seen as gender-flexible, similar to other 'o'-ending names like Milo and Theo.
Is Arlo a popular name?
Yes, Arlo has surged in popularity across the US, UK, and Australia over the past decade. It fits the fashionable trend of short, vintage, 'o'-ending boy names — alongside Milo, Theo, Hugo, and Otto. Its hipster-cool, folksy charm (helped by folk singer Arlo Guthrie) makes it a favorite for contemporary parents.