Arlen

Meaning: Possibly grey land, or hare's land
Origin: English surname — Possibly a variation of Harlan, in American use since the 1900s

Boy's name · #1587 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Arlen is an heirloom: its strongest era came around 1934, when it ranked #380. It has thinned since but never left the records — about 7,300 boys since 1909, ranked #1587 today.

Across the states

See where Arlen is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 11 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Arlen ranks in other countries and regions.

#647 in Scotland (2025) · #763 in England & Wales (2025) · #1,314 in Switzerland (2025) · #1,374 in Canada (2025) · #1,402 in Italy (2024) · #1,405 in Ecuador (2025) · #1,459 in Sweden (2024) · #1,930 in Austria (2023) · #3,653 in France (2022).

Famous Arlens

Arlen Specter — American politician (1930–2012)
Arlen Escarpeta — Belizean actor (born 1980)
Arlen López — Cuban boxer (born 1993)
Arlen Ness — American entrepreneur and motorcycle designer (1939–2019)
Arlen Roth — American guitarist, teacher, and author (born 1952)

In stories & tradition

Arlen — Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem (video game)

What Arlens become

Among 41 notable people named Arlen:

No single standout — notable Arlens spread across many fields.

Similar names: Harlen · Eldon · Arlan · Truman · Arden · Glen

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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