Arial is a unisex given name of uncertain origin, though it is often believed to have been created for use as a girls' name by author Charlotte Brontë. The name first appeared in her novel "Jane Eyre" published in 1847, and has since gained popularity worldwide. Pronounced /əˈraɪəl/, the name Arial consists of three syllables and has a pleasing rhythm when spoken aloud. It is often associated with simplicity, elegance, and modernity due to its use as the font's name by Adobe in 1982. However, it is important to note that the font was named after a different character from Brontë's work, not Arial herself. The name Arial has consistently ranked among the most popular names for girls since the mid-20th century, and its usage has also extended to boys in some cultures.
The name Arial experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike in the early 1990s. From 45 births in 1990, it peaked at 69 births in 1991 before declining to 37 births in 1992. Since then, its popularity has steadily decreased, reaching a low of 7 births in 2022. Overall, there were 1189 babies named Arial between 1981 and 2022.