Arlette is a French name of uncertain origin, usually explained as a medieval diminutive linked to Germanic names built on arn, "eagle". Its most famous bearer is Arlette, also called Herleva, the mother of William the Conqueror. The name has become a favorite of Spanish-speaking families in the United States: Arlette entered the top 1000 in 2021 and has risen quickly from number 993 to number 494 in 2025, its best rank so far.