Arliss is a unique and uncommon name of American origin. It does not have a well-documented historical or linguistic background like many other names. The name Arliss was first used in the United States during the early 20th century, but its origins and meaning remain unclear.
There are a few theories about the origin of the name Arliss:
1. Some people believe that Arliss is a variant spelling of the Scottish surname Erskine. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.
2. Others suggest that Arliss may be derived from the Old Norse personal name Árni, which means "eagle." Again, this theory is not widely accepted or supported by etymological sources.
Despite its uncertain origins, the name Arliss has been used sparingly throughout history. It was first recorded in the United States during the early 20th century and has since gained some popularity, particularly among families seeking unique and uncommon names for their children.
In popular culture, the name Arliss is perhaps best known for its use in the 1966 film "The Plainsman," starring Steve McQueen. In the movie, Arliss Lavinia is a character played by Victoria Principal. This usage may have contributed to the increased visibility of the name Arliss during the latter half of the 20th century.
In conclusion, while the origins and meaning of the name Arliss remain unclear, it is nonetheless an intriguing and unique choice for those seeking a distinctive moniker with a mysterious past. Whether derived from Scottish ancestry or Norse mythology, Arliss carries a sense of history and mystery that sets it apart from more common names.
The name Arliss has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and valleys in its usage as a given name for newborns.
From 1919 to 1937, there was a consistent trend of an increasing number of babies named Arliss each year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1933 with 44 births, following by another peak in 1936 with 43 births.
However, after 1937, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly. From 1938 to 1950, the number of babies named Arliss hovered between 20 and 14 births each year. This trend continued until 1965 when there were only 6 births recorded for the name.
In recent years, the name Arliss has seen a resurgence in popularity, with 5 births recorded in both 1994 and 2018. Overall, since 1919, a total of 801 babies have been named Arliss in the United States.