Given name
Arlyn
“a solemn, binding promise”·“an oath; a pledge”
Arlyn is a variant of Arlen. One interpretation is “a solemn, binding promise.” Arlyn is a variant of Arlene. One Irish interpretation is “an oath; a pledge.” Its derivation is not certain.
Meaning & origin
What it means
Arlyn is a variant of Arlen. One interpretation is “a solemn, binding promise.” Arlyn is a variant of Arlene. One Irish interpretation is “an oath; a pledge.” Its derivation is not certain.
Explained through its name family
Where it comes from
Arlyn is a variant of Arlene. A possible origin is Irish, although the derivation remains uncertain.
Explained through its name family
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1912. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Arlyn through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 4,525
- 2,181 boys · 2,344 girls
- Most popular year
- 1934
- 75 babies
- 2025
- 52
- #3,987 for girls · #5,630 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −3%
- Steady
Boys, girls and both
The balance of boys and girls given this name has shifted over time. Recent births are 24% boys.
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 36 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 3,987 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 5.3% lower in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for girls was 59 in 2007. It also appeared in 16 birth records for boys in 2025. In 2025, California had the largest reported state-level birth count for girls with this name (8). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 3,651 as a first name in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Arlyn’s family of names
Arlyn has a related form in Arlene. Arlyn has a related form in Arlen.
Inner ring: nicknames and forms · outer: across languages.
Nicknames & forms 4
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Across languages 3
Equivalents and cognates in other languages, plus older forms it grew from.
Similar names
If you love Arlyn, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Marlyn
“resembling a little hawk”
4% boys · 96% girls
Arla
Arla is a feminine given name.
>99% girls
Arletta
“an oath; a pledge”
>99% girls
Maxie
“the greatest”
22% boys · 78% girls
Ardith
“from the field of flowers”
2% boys · 98% girls
Aline
“one who pays homage to Ireland”
>99% girls
Ardis
Ardis is a surname.
23% boys · 77% girls
Allene
“beautiful and fair woman; dear child”
>99% girls