Arlette is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #1543 in 2011 with 142 recorded births. This places Arlette in the top 8% of ranked US girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Rare. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 600 births ranking #494. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 343.8%. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 12,386 girls born was named Arlette. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
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.