Meaning, origin, history
Arlington is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the county of Arlington, which is located in the state of Virginia. The county was named after Henry Bennet, the Earl of Arlington, who served as the Secretary of State for England during the reign of King Charles II.
The meaning behind the name Arlington is not explicitly defined, but it can be associated with several possible interpretations. One interpretation suggests that Arlington means "clear" or "pure", which could refer to the clear waters of the Potomac River that flow through the county. Another interpretation connects Arlington with the idea of "strength" or "power", as the name Bennet comes from the Old English words 'beorn' and 'heafod', which together mean "strong lord".
The history of the name Arlington is deeply rooted in American history and politics. As mentioned earlier, the county was named after Henry Bennet, the Earl of Arlington, who played a significant role in the political landscape of England during the 17th century. However, it wasn't until much later that the name Arlington began to be used as a given name.
The use of Arlington as a given name became more popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is believed that this trend was influenced by the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, which is located within Arlington County and serves as the final resting place for many American soldiers who have died while serving their country.
In conclusion, Arlington is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin, derived from the county of Arlington in Virginia. While its meaning is not explicitly defined, it can be associated with interpretations such as "clear" or "pure", or "strength" or "power". The history of the name Arlington is deeply rooted in American history and politics, and its use as a given name became more popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. Despite its unique origins and meaning, Arlington remains relatively rare as a given name, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Arlington since 1880
Total births
101
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
14 births
in 2023
14
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+50%
↗
vs previous 5 years