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Arlo

Boy / Girl name · 1,325 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Arlo: 1,325 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 177 births in 2024.

Arlo is a name of uncertain origin, though it is most often linked to Old English or possibly Spanish roots. It may derive from the Old English "hoer" or "herla," meaning "fortified hill," or be a variant of the Gaelic "Aodh," which means "fire." In Spanish-speaking contexts, it is sometimes considered a diminutive of Carlos, via "Carlos" or "Arlo." The name gained modern prominence through the 1960s film *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*, featuring actor Eli Wallach as "Tuco," though Arlo is more famously tied to the singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie, known for his protest anthem "Alice's Restaurant." Arlo was also a character in the animated film *The Good Dinosaur*. There is no well-known place connection, but the name has a rugged, outdoorsy feel that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet classic.