Arlen is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English word "arlen," which means "of Earls." This name has been used historically to denote someone who was related to an earl or held lands belonging to an earl.
The name Arlen first gained prominence in the United States during the mid-19th century, with its popularity peaking in the early 20th century. However, it has since declined and is now considered quite rare. Despite its rarity, Arlen continues to be a beloved name among those who choose to use it.
One notable figure bearing the name Arlen was Arlen Specter, an American politician who served as a senator from Pennsylvania from 1981 to 2011. He was also the first Jewish person elected to the United States Senate from any state outside of New York or Connecticut.
In literature and popular culture, the name Arlen has been used in several notable works. It is the name of one of the main characters in Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," as well as a character in Stephen King's "The Long Walk." Additionally, the town of Arlene, Oklahoma, was named after its first postmaster, Arlen B. Taylor.
Overall, Arlen is an unusual and historic name with a unique meaning that sets it apart from other names. Despite its rarity today, those who bear this name can take pride in its rich history and distinctiveness.
The name Arlen has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, its usage was relatively low, with fewer than 25 births per year from 1909 to 1920.
However, starting around 1927, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Arlen. The trend continued into the 1930s and 1940s, with the peak being in 1934 when there were 206 births. This period marked the height of popularity for the name Arlen.
After World War II, the usage of the name began to decline steadily. Between 1947 and 1968, fewer than 50 babies were named Arlen each year on average. The lowest point was reached in 1968 with only 41 births.
The trend continued into the late 20th century and early 21st century, with the number of babies named Arlen fluctuating between 23 and 59 per year from 1972 to 2015. There was a brief resurgence in popularity around 2014, but it did not reach the heights of the mid-20th century.
In recent years, the usage of the name Arlen has remained relatively stable, with between 55 and 88 births per year from 2016 to 2023. This indicates that while Arlen may not be one of the most popular names currently, it continues to be a viable choice for parents in the United States.
In total, over the period from 1909 to 2023, there have been 7138 babies named Arlen in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied significantly over time, it has remained a consistent presence among American baby names throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.