Let’s finally talk sibling names. We’re searching for names that pair well with Arlo — short, sweet, simple, and not overly mainstream. It was so much fun to read everyone’s suggestions years ago when we were deciding on Arlo, and now we’re doing it again as we think about a second child.
The big question is: what baby names go with Arlo? I’ll share where our current list stands and would love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
Girl Names Like Arlo
We actually have a girl name we love and considered before, but it’s helpful to have backup options — names we like that might feel right in different situations. I prefer shorter, sweet names, often ending in a vowel. Unique but not too unusual is the vibe.
Here are some feminine names that feel like they could match Arlo’s tone. These are names we like but aren’t planning to use:
- Alma
- Dolly
- Emma
- Esme
- Etta
- Flora
- Ida
- Lucy
- Luma
- Marnie
- Nola
- Poppy
- Roma
Boy Names Like Arlo
When Arlo was born we had three names ready, and Arlo ended up feeling right. Lately, many distinctive boy names trend edgy or outdoorsy, which isn’t quite our style. We’re drawn to names that are sweet, a little old-fashioned, and ready for a comeback.
Here are some boy names we like but aren’t using:
- Finn
- Hugo
- Leo
- Luca
- Milo
- Sonny
- Sullivan
- Walter
I also like word names, but haven’t landed on one that fits with Arlo yet.
Another Disney Name?
Arlo was inspired by the character from The Good Dinosaur, so we’re open to another name with subtle Disney ties if it fits naturally. A name with a small, meaningful nod to a story we love would be lovely.
Middle Names
Arlo’s middle name is Mitchell, after Jeff’s grandpa. For our second child we have a shortlist of family and meaningful names we’d consider as middle names. Top contenders include:
- Dean
- Henry
- Herb
- Jean
- Lane
Name Requirements
Looking back through a name list I’ve kept since high school, I notice a pattern: I favor shorter names that often end in a vowel and have a kind, warm sound. Here are the practical requirements guiding our choices:
- The name should pair well with Arlo.
- It must sound good with our last name, Mindell.
- We’d prefer it not begin with A, so any future siblings don’t feel like they must share an initial.
- We like names that feel somewhat unique without being extreme — familiar but refreshing.
- Nicknames are a plus. Arlo didn’t naturally yield a nickname, so we’d love a name that offers that option.
That’s the current roundup — we’d love your input. What names do you think pair well with Arlo?
Our New Baby Name Series
We’re launching a baby name series because you’ve asked for it. My friend Lauren and I will curate posts based on naming situations submitted by readers. We don’t have formal training, just years of obsessively refining name lists and predicting celebrity baby names for fun. Each post will present a real naming scenario, our suggestions based on the details provided, and an invitation for the community to share their ideas in the comments.
This series is meant to be light and enjoyable — names are one of those endlessly fascinating topics that spark conversation and creativity.
If you’re expecting or adopting and want to be considered for the series, please apply with your situation and name preferences through our submission form.