Have you ever come across the name Arnett and wondered if it is a male, female, or unisex name? In this article, we will explore the origins and history of the name Arnett, its meaning in different cultures and languages, famous people named Arnett, and why parents are choosing gender-neutral names like Arnett. Read on to find out more!
The Origins and History of the Name Arnett
The name Arnett has its roots in Old French, where it was originally spelled “Arnaud” and meant “eagle power.” From there, it moved to England with the Norman Conquest and evolved into Arnette before finally settling on its current spelling of Arnett. Despite its French origins, the name has become more widely used in English-speaking countries.
The Popularity of the Name Arnett Over Time
While the name Arnett has never been particularly popular, it has maintained a level of steady use over the years. According to the Social Security Administration, Arnett was most popular in 1923, when it ranked as the 784th most popular name for boys in the United States. Since then, it has gradually declined in popularity but has remained in sporadic use.
Interestingly, the name Arnett has seen a slight resurgence in recent years. In 2019, it was given to 98 baby boys in the United States, making it the 2,981st most popular name for boys that year. This may be due to the trend of parents choosing unique and uncommon names for their children.
The name Arnett has also been used as a surname, with notable figures such as Will Arnett, the Canadian actor and comedian, and Katherine Arnett, the American artist and illustrator. This has added to the name’s overall recognition and cultural significance.
Arnett as a Male Name: Famous People and Meanings
The vast majority of people named Arnett are male. Some notable male Arnetts include:
- Will Arnett – Canadian actor and comedian known for his roles in Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman
- Marvin Arnett – American football player who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1960s
- Arnett Cobb – American jazz tenor saxophonist in the 1940s and 1950s
As for the meaning of the name, “eagle power” denotes strength, power, and independence. These traits may be associated with men, hence the prevalence of Arnett as a male name.
Interestingly, the name Arnett has also been used as a surname. In fact, it is a fairly common surname in the United States, with over 30,000 people having it as their last name. The origin of the surname Arnett is believed to be English, and it was likely derived from a place name. It is possible that some people with the surname Arnett may have been given the name as a first name, as was common in the past.
The Meaning of Arnett in Different Cultures and Languages
Aside from French and English, the name Arnett has other meanings in different cultures and languages. In German, it means “little eagle,” while in Hungarian, it means “messenger.” It is also a surname in various countries, including Ireland, where it comes from the Gaelic name “O hAthain,” meaning “descendant of Athan.”
In addition to its meanings as a first and last name, Arnett is also the name of a small town in Texas, USA. The town was named after its founder, Will Arnett, who established it in the late 1800s. Today, Arnett is a quiet community with a population of just over 200 people, and it is known for its annual Fourth of July parade and rodeo.
Arnett as a Female Name: Famous People and Meanings
While Arnett is primarily a male name, it has been used for girls as well. Some notable female Arnetts include:
- Arnett Cobb – American jazz singer and songwriter who performed in the 1960s and 1970s
- Arnett Holloway – American track and field athlete who competed in the 1960s
The meanings of the name do not change depending on the gender of the person who bears it, so female Arnetts would also have the association with “eagle power.”
Despite being a less common name for girls, Arnett has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and meaning. It has been used by parents who want to give their daughters a strong and powerful name.
Arnett is also a surname that has been passed down through generations in some families. In these cases, it may be used as a first name for both males and females as a way to honor their family history.
The Rise of Unisex Names: Why Parents are Choosing Gender-Neutral Names Like Arnett
In recent years, there has been a trend towards choosing unisex names for babies. Parents may choose a gender-neutral name like Arnett for a variety of reasons. Some want to avoid gender stereotypes or gendered expectations for their child. Others simply like the sound of unisex names or want to choose a name that feels unique or modern. Whatever the reason, Arnett is one example of a name that can be used for boys and girls alike.
Another reason why parents are choosing gender-neutral names like Arnett is to promote inclusivity and acceptance. By giving their child a name that is not traditionally associated with a specific gender, parents are sending a message that they value diversity and are open to different expressions of gender identity. This can be especially important for children who may not conform to traditional gender norms or who identify as non-binary. Choosing a unisex name like Arnett can help these children feel seen and accepted for who they are.
How to Pronounce the Name Arnett Correctly
The name Arnett is pronounced “ar-NETT,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. It is important to note the “t” at the end of the name, as it can be easy to overlook or mispronounce.
Arnett is a surname of English origin, which means “little eagle.” It is a relatively uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years due to the success of actors Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, both of whom have the surname Arnett. If you are unsure of how to pronounce the name, it is always best to ask the person themselves, as they may have a preferred pronunciation or variation of the name.
Unique Middle Names That Pair Well With the First Name Arnett
If you’re considering naming your child Arnett but aren’t sure what middle name to pair with it, here are some ideas:
- Arnett James
- Arnett Elizabeth
- Arnett Xavier
- Arnett Sophia
- Arnett Samuel
- Arnett Isabella
- Arnett Elliot
These names all have a nice flow when paired with Arnett.
It’s important to consider the meaning behind the middle name you choose for your child. For example, if you’re looking for a middle name that represents strength, you might consider pairing Arnett with the middle name Alexander, which means “defender of the people.” Alternatively, if you’re looking for a middle name that represents wisdom, you might consider pairing Arnett with the middle name Sophia, which means “wisdom” in Greek.
Tips for Naming Your Baby: Why Arnett Might Be the Perfect Choice
If you’re still on the fence about naming your child Arnett, here are some reasons why it might be the perfect choice:
- It’s a unique name that isn’t overly popular
- It has a strong and powerful meaning
- It can be used for both boys and girls
- It pairs well with a variety of middle names
- It’s easy to pronounce and spell
Another reason why Arnett might be the perfect choice for your baby’s name is that it has a rich history and cultural significance. Arnett is a surname that originated in England and has been used as a first name for centuries. It also has African American roots, with notable figures such as jazz musician Arnett Cobb and civil rights activist Arnett Girardeau.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a name that has a strong and positive association, Arnett fits the bill. In popular culture, the name has been associated with successful and accomplished individuals, such as actor Will Arnett and football player Arnett Moultrie. Naming your child Arnett could inspire them to strive for greatness and achieve their goals.
Alternatives to the Name Arnett: Similar Names for Boys, Girls, or Both Genders
If you like the sound of Arnett but want to explore other options, here are some similar names to consider:
- Arden
- Arley
- Emmett
- Elliott
- Avery
- Rowan
- Mackenzie
- Cameron
- Riley
These names all have either a similar sound or a similar meaning to Arnett.
When choosing a name for your child, it’s important to consider the cultural and historical significance of the name. If you’re interested in names with a similar cultural background to Arnett, you might consider names like Garrett, Bennett, or Everett, which all have Anglo-Saxon roots.
Another factor to consider when choosing a name is its popularity. If you’re looking for a name that’s less common than Arnett, you might consider names like Callahan, Thatcher, or Langston, which are all outside of the top 500 names for boys in the United States.
What Your Choice of Baby Name Says About You and Your Parenting Style
The name you choose for your child can say a lot about you and your parenting style. Choosing a name like Arnett, which is unique and unisex, may indicate that you are open-minded, creative, and value individuality. It may also suggest that you are not bound by traditional gender roles or expectations.
On the other hand, choosing a more traditional name like William or Elizabeth may suggest that you value tradition and stability. It may also indicate that you prioritize your child’s future success and want to give them a name that is widely recognized and respected.
Additionally, some parents choose names based on their cultural or religious background. For example, a family with Irish heritage may choose a name like Liam or Saoirse, while a family with Jewish roots may choose a name like Jacob or Hannah. This can indicate a strong connection to their cultural or religious identity and a desire to pass on those values to their child.
Advice for Parents on Dealing With Criticism or Questions About Their Child’s Unusual or Gender-Neutral Name
If you do choose a name like Arnett for your child, you may face criticism or questions from others who are not familiar with the name or the idea of gender-neutral names. Here are some tips for dealing with those situations:
- Be confident in your choice and explain your reasons for choosing the name if you feel comfortable
- Remind others that the name is your choice and that you are happy with it
- Offer alternative names if people are particularly insistent on expressing their dislike or confusion
- Remember that ultimately, it is your child’s name and no one else’s opinion matters more than yours
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the name Arnett. Whether you choose to name your child Arnett or not, we hope you feel more informed about this unique and meaningful name.
It’s important to remember that names are a personal choice and can hold significant meaning for parents. Unusual or gender-neutral names can be a way for parents to express their creativity, individuality, or values. It’s also important to recognize that names can evolve and change over time, and what may seem unusual or unfamiliar now may become more common in the future. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a name that feels right for your child and your family, regardless of what others may think or say.