Arliss is an unusual and distinctive given name, of American origin. It was popularized by the film 'The Greatest Show on Earth' released in 1952, where the main character was a circus manager named Arliss. However, its roots can be traced back to Old English, where it means "from the rock hill." The name has also been associated with the Scottish surname Arless or Arless, which may have originated from a place called Arless in Scotland. In recent years, Arliss has been used more as a surname than a given name, but its unique sound and rich history make it an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive name. It is often associated with strength and individuality, reflecting the rocky terrain from which it originated. Despite its rarity, Arliss has been carried by some notable figures in history, such as Arliss Walker, a former NFL player, and Arliss Howard, an American actor. Overall, Arliss is a name that offers a blend of uniqueness, historical depth, and subtle strength.
The name Arliss experienced notable fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks occurring in the late 1940s to early 1950s and again in recent years. The highest number of births recorded was in 2023, with 25 occurrences, while some years had as few as 5 births, such as those between 1977 and 2006 inclusive. Overall, there were a total of 683 births registered under the name Arliss from 1917 to 2023.