Other Forms FormsMasculine equivalents: Arno, Árni
Meaning & History
Originally a medieval feminine form of Germanic masculine names beginning with the Old High German element arn, Old Norse ǫrn meaning "eagle" (Proto-Germanic *arnuz). This name was in use during the Middle Ages, died out, and was eventually revived in the 19th century.
A notable bearer of this name was the American writer Arna Bontemps (1902-1973), who was born into a Louisiana Creole family. By some accounts, his birth name was Arnaud.