Arlette is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #4867 in 2025 with 4 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 5 births ranking #4001. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 63,320 girls born was named Arlette. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Arlette is the French form of Herleva. It has a polished, classic feel, and its deeper background reaches back to older Germanic elements through that earlier name.
The name Herleva is associated with the mother of William the Conqueror, giving Arlette a historical connection that stretches back to medieval Europe. Scholars suggest Herleva may come from elements related to army and legacy or remnant.