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.
The name Arlo experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 20th century onwards, with consistent growth from just 15 births recorded in 1961 to over 2200 births annually by 2022. Prior to 1960, fewer than 80 babies were named Arlo each year, with a noticeable spike occurring between 1910 and 1923, during which time Arlo ranked among the top 100 names for newborn boys. However, it was not until the late 20th century that Arlo truly gained widespread traction as a popular name, climbing from obscurity to become one of the most popular boy's names today, with over 2200 births recorded in 2022 alone.