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Baby names

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Original poster

I love Arlo - is it too popular?

64 replies

PoppyH56 · 22/08/2017 22:40

I love the name Arlo but my OH is saying it's becoming too popular. What do we all think? I have 2 weeks left to decide and this is the only one sticking in my mind!

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ibentmywookie · 23/08/2017 13:01

I know three Arlos (in NE London), and agree that it always makes me think of Harlow in Essex.

n0ne · 23/08/2017 08:50

I like Arlo. It does come up on here now and again, but I don't know any in RL. Teddy and Arthur, however, are EVERYWHERE.

CherieBabySpliffUp · 23/08/2017 08:46

Isn't Arlo the company who make Cravendale milk?
That's the first thing that came to mind

Mothervulva · 23/08/2017 08:31

I've come across a few here in East London, quite trendy parents. Also, my 23 year old nephew but his mother was ahead of the curve there!

MaryWortleyMontagu · 23/08/2017 08:28

I know 3, but to my North London ears it always sounds like someone is dropping the "h" from Harlow!

NotTheCoolMum · 23/08/2017 08:22

It is insanely popular round here at the moment.

I know of 3 so far. The only other name I know multiple of is Teddy/Theodore.

All born in 2016/17.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 23/08/2017 08:20

I don't know of any, it's a great name, use it ! 😄

harrietm87 · 23/08/2017 07:46

I know 2 born this year out of about 15 babies in my circle of friends/colleagues in London. I think it's a little bit try-hard trendy - like the parents thought it would be unique but actually lots of others thought the same. I think it will date much more than classic and consistently popular names like Harry, James etc for that reason.

AccrualIntentions · 23/08/2017 07:13

I think it's trendy more than popular, if that makes sense? As in something that's currently a bit hipster, then will probably go more mainstream but end up a bit dated. We've discounted it on that basis, although I did like it early on.

MyOtherProfile · 23/08/2017 07:07

I'd say Teddy and Arthur are more popular in my experience. I don't think it's a problem if it's a little bit popular though. I have an unusual name that nobody can spell and its a right pain.

Susiethetortoiseshellcat · 23/08/2017 05:58

I don't think it's hugely popular (I know 2 under 2 and a Milo) but I think it will really date, it feels very 'now'. Not keen on Teddy (this IS very popular) but love Arthur.

splendide · 23/08/2017 05:54

It's nice! There are two at DS' nursery but I don't know of any others

krakentoast · 23/08/2017 00:53

I know three near me in Scotland, all quite trendy families in general, and all three boys were born in the last 2 years. I think it is definitely having a "moment" in some urban areas. Maybe this generation's Jake or Zack? Nice name though.

Samoyedydog · 23/08/2017 00:18

I've never even heard of it so don't think it's that popular.

Fernanie · 22/08/2017 23:47

I love it, mostly because of the singer Arlo Guthrie. I only know one other IRL - think it's sort of underused tbh.

MissFitton · 22/08/2017 23:44

I have one. He's eight. Have not come across another one around here although I hear on MN that it's the new Jake/Jack. Hmm

Best idea is to go with something you love. as long as it doesn't have a yoonique spelling

SuperBeagle · 22/08/2017 23:33

Popular where I am. Typically used by "hipster" types. Very trendy.

MyOtherProfile · 22/08/2017 23:25

Love Arlo. Never met any and I'm an advisory teacher working in lots of schools. I don't know who Andy whoever is and the only two Arlos I've ever heard of are the sons of Woody Guthrie and Lee Mack!

Amee1992x · 22/08/2017 23:25

Live in Scotland, don't know any just a little ginger chihuahua! Like the name for a boy though

Jennypug · 22/08/2017 23:22

We called our cat Arlo, my son chose it because of the cat in Bing.

Circumlocutor · 22/08/2017 23:15

Arlo is trendy but I don't think it will ever be hugely popular on the scale of Harry or Oliver.

ShapelyBingoWing · 22/08/2017 23:06

Isn't Arlo the cat from Bing? I actually like it but wouldn't be able to get the association out of my head. I think of it every time I hear it as it is getting quite popular.

Original poster
PoppyH56 · 22/08/2017 23:06

I think maybe the reason I'm hesitant is I grew up with a HUGELY popular name (not the same as my username) and always had at least one other person in my class with the same name. Now at work I have 3 others with the same name also and I really do find it irritating. Simply for the fact I look up from my desk about 50 times a day thinking I'm being called when in fact they wanted the other one. 😒 so much so, I'm now called my surname by a lot of people so I just don't want my child to feel the same way about their name! Thank you for all your responses. We will have a think Smile

OP posts:
SasBel · 22/08/2017 23:05

Aromatically Refined Linseed Oil? Never heard of it as a boys name!

Circumlocutor · 22/08/2017 23:03

If it's the name you both love surely that's that? What if you picked a rarer name that then became super popular in five years time. You'd be pissed off.

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