Arnis
A boy's name of Latvian origin with 17 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. boy's names, Arnis is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 1952 to 1957, Arnis has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Arnis is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Arnis is a Latvian masculine name, the Latvian form of Arnold, ultimately derived from the Old High German elements arn (eagle) and nōt (power, strength). In Latvia it is a common given name with a long history of use. The name evokes the eagle — a symbol of freedom, vision, and strength — which resonates deeply in Latvian cultural identity.
Arnis is also the name of the national martial art of the Philippines, though the two uses are unrelated in origin. Among Latvian-American families, Arnis is a way to maintain cultural heritage while remaining accessible to English speakers.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Arnis is rooted in the Latvian tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1952 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Arnis’s rarity (17 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Arnis has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1952.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 17 | #3646 | — |
The Story of Arnis
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1953, Arnis is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Arnis are most likely born between 1952 and 1957.
How rare is Arnis?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Arnis is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1952, peaked in the 1950s with 17 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 1952–1957)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 5 | #4017 |
| 1953 | 7 | #3155 |
| 1952 | 5 | #3767 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arnis a boy's or girl's name?
When was Arnis most popular?
How popular is the name Arnis?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1952–1957