Arline is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the more common name Arlington, which itself is derived from the historic Arlington House in Virginia, USA. The house was once owned by George Washington's adopted son, Robert E. Lee.
The name Arline does not have a specific meaning or association like its counterpart Arlington, which means "from the meadow where eagles nest." However, it has been used as a given name for girls independently of Arlington, suggesting that perhaps it was chosen simply for its aesthetic appeal and uniqueness.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Arline. One such person is Arline Hunter, an American actress who appeared in numerous films during the silent era. Another is Arline B. Saunders, a United States Navy nurse who served during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her heroism.
While not as widespread or well-known as many other names, Arline has been used consistently throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today. Its unique sound and distinctive spelling make it an appealing choice for those looking for a name that is both memorable and uncommon.
The name Arline experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. From the late 1800s to around the mid-1920s, it was quite popular, with the highest number of births recorded in 1923 (677). However, after that peak, there was a steady decline, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with only 5 or fewer births per year from 2018 onwards. The total number of births named Arline since 1883 is 17,589.