Why Arlo?

We've had lots of compliments on Arlo's name, as well as lots of questions. (What does it mean? How did you choose it?)

Well, we're not Arlo Guthrie devotees or big fans of those Arlo & Janice comics. The simple answer is that we just loved the name. I've read that it's got origins in English, German, Italian, Latin, Greek and Spanish, it's easy to spell, and it's a little unique but not unheard of. Since I have enjoyed my "w.w." initials, he gets to be an "a.a." We wanted a name that had an old-fashioned ring (Arlo was at it's most popular in the US in the 1920's, our favorite decade.) One website also notes a resurgence in the 70's.

There are as many definitions as there are languages of origin. One site notes, "It is of Spanish origin, and its meaning is "barberry tree". Also Italian variant of Charles."

Another says, "The Name Arlo is a boy's name. The origin of the baby name Arlo is Greek, Latin with the meaning(s) depending on Gender/Origin being. Greek- Strong, brave, courageous one. A form of Andrew. Latin."

A third: "Boy name - Old English. Means From the protected town or hill."

Arlo's middle name, Franklin, is a family name that is shared on both sides of our family: my grandfather Frank Haeger, Arlo's grandpa (Sam's father) James Franklin Augusta, and James' grandfather was Frank, too.

All in all, we liked the ring of it and the old-timey sound. And of course, now that we know him, he couldn't be anything but Arlo!