Arlean is a unique and beautiful name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname Ó Ryallán, which means "descendant of Ryallán". The name Ryallán itself is thought to come from the Gaelic word "ri" meaning king or ruler, suggesting that the original bearer of the name was someone of high status.
The name Arlean has a rich history in Ireland and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It was often used as a given name for girls, although it could also be used for boys in some cases. Over time, the name evolved and became more commonly associated with women, eventually becoming almost exclusively feminine.
Today, Arlean remains a rare but charming name choice for parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful. Its Irish origins add to its allure, as does its intriguing history. Despite its rarity, there are still many notable people throughout history who have borne the name Arlean, demonstrating its enduring appeal over the centuries.
The name Arlean experienced significant popularity from the late 19th to mid-20th century, peaking between 1912 and 1926 with consistently high birth numbers ranging from 22 to 44 per year. However, its usage dropped sharply after the 1930s, becoming quite rare by the 1960s with only single-digit births recorded annually since then. Overall, the name Arlean has been chosen for a total of 1673 babies born between 1892 and 1989.