Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Arlo

Arlo is a rare name with uncertain meaning. It was most likely a late 16th century creation by Elizabethan poet Sir Edmund Spenser, author of the epic poem “The Faerie Queene” (considered one of the greatest works of English literature). Arlo Hill is an Irish place name featured prominently in the later Books and cantos of the poem; Spenser got the name from an actual place in southern Tipperary, Ireland called the Glen of Aherlow which is Gaelic for “between two highlands” since that’s essentially where the secluded glen is situated. Arlo Hill is important in “The Faerie Queene” as the location where the poem climaxes in a final judgment scene among the old pagan gods. It is also the place where the moon goddess Diana is spied upon while bathing. Spenser asks his reader: “Of Arlo-hill (Who knowes not Arlo-hill?)” and goes onto to call it “the best and fairest Hill / That was in all this holy-Islands hights” referring to the former glory days of Ireland. In Spenser’s time the Glen of Aherlow was recaptured and occupied by Catholic Irish rebels and outlaws who rose up against Protestant English landowners (and in Spenser’s opinion, harassed them mercilessly). As a devout Protestant and a fervent supporter of Queen Elizabeth I, Spenser used Arlo Hill as an allegory to symbolize the Irish destruction of Eden or fallen paradise. After Diana is objectified by another god while bathing naked in a stream, she curses the pastoral Hill and abandons it to “Thieves and Wolves”. So while once “the best and fairest hill”, Arlo “…was made the most unpleasant, and most ill" (VII vi 36-55). Apparently, in “Faerieland” it all goes down on Arlo Hill. Spenser essentially anglicized the word Aherlow to Arlo. Most people, however, are unaware of this relatively obscure literary reference to Arlo; rather, the name is more commonly inspired by American folk artist Arlo Guthrie.

All About the Baby Name – Arlo

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ARLO

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ARLO

As we mentioned above, Arlo is a rare masculine first name. The name experienced low usage in the first half of the 20th century and then disappeared completely from the charts in 1945. Arlo’s hiatus from usage would last for 66 consecutive years until he finally returned in 2011. The name’s homecoming hasn’t exactly been triumphant; it’s still ranked quite low on the charts and was only bestowed upon about 200 baby boys in 2011. This makes Arlo a very unique choice! Popular Australian actress Toni Collette may have had something to do with Arlo’s return to the charts in 2011 when she gave this moniker to her son in April of that year. Later in October 2011, Johnny Knoxville bestowed the name Arlo upon his daughter (although Arlo has yet to officially enter the unisex category). The name feels decidedly masculine so we expect it to remain that way for the most part. Arlo has a certain boyish charm along with “old man” ruggedness which makes it hard not to like. This two-syllable darling is both easy to say and easy to spell; plus its nickname proof. This little gem is hiding quietly “between two highlands” waiting for American parents to take notice of this rather uncommon yet very interesting name.

Quick Facts

ON ARLO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

677

PRONUNCIATION:

AHR-loh

SIMPLE MEANING:

Between two highlands

Characteristics

OF ARLO

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Arlo

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ARLO

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Arlo

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ARLO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Arlo


Popular Songs

ON ARLO

Goodnight Little Arlo
a song by Woody Guthrie

Famous People

NAMED ARLO

Arlo Guthrie (folksinger)
Arlo Brunsberg (baseball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ARLO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Arlo

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ARLO

Arlo Guthrie is a prolific American folk and blues singer-songwriter who is most famous for two things: one, he’s the son of Woody Guthrie (also an influential folk/blues musician) and two, for his talking-blues song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre” which lasts over 18 minutes. Like his father, Arlo was an activist against war, social injustices and government corruption, subjects which are reflected in his music. His career has spanned over 40 years and he still occasionally tours. Remarkably, Guthrie is a registered Republican which seems odd considering his history. Although according to him, there are “enough good Democrats” and so sees himself as the “loyal opposition” on a team that needs more good people. Clever old hippie.