All about the name

Arles

Male

« Arles is a historic French given name derived from the city of Arles, whose Celtic inhabitants were likely its namesakes. Its meaning is unclear but may relate to being between two rivers. »

#16426 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Arles is a unique and distinctive name of French origin. It is derived from the city of Arles in southern France, which was founded by the Romans over two thousand years ago. The city takes its name from the Celtic tribe that inhabited the region before the Roman conquest. The name Arles has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In fact, it was first recorded as a given name during the Middle Ages in France. However, it is not clear whether this use of the name was inspired by the city or if it had already existed independently before then. The meaning behind the name Arles is somewhat unclear, as there are no known specific meanings associated with it. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Celtic element "ar," which means "between two rivers." This could be a reference to the city's location between the Rhône and the Durance rivers. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted. Despite its uncertain meaning, Arles has become a popular name in France over time. It was particularly common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since declined in popularity. Nevertheless, it remains a distinctive and memorable name that evokes images of ancient history and French culture.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Arles since 1880

Total births
205
Total since 1880
Peak year
2012
11 births
in 2020
10
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-33%
vs previous 5 years