The name Arlin is believed to have originated from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Germanic peoples who inhabited Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age (circa 800-1050 CE). The name is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word "arin," meaning "eagle" or "falcon."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arlin can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of historical and mythological tales written in the 13th and 14th centuries. The name appears in the Saga of the Volsungs, where it is mentioned as the name of a minor character.

In the Middle Ages, the name Arlin was relatively uncommon, but it did appear occasionally in historical records from various parts of Europe. One notable figure who bore this name was Arlin of Rheims, a 12th-century French scholar and theologian who played a significant role in the intellectual and religious debates of his time.

As time passed, the name Arlin remained relatively obscure, but it did see some use in various regions of Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Arlin Schilling, a 16th-century German Protestant reformer and writer who was a contemporary of Martin Luther.

In the 19th century, the name Arlin gained some popularity in parts of the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. One notable individual with this name was Arlin M. Adams, an American lawyer and judge who served as a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 1969 to 1987.

Another notable figure with the name Arlin was Arlin Pedrico Ortiz, a Puerto Rican baseball player who played in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s, primarily for the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox.

While the name Arlin has never been extremely common, it has maintained a certain level of usage throughout history, particularly in parts of Europe and the United States. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Norse language and the Viking Age, and it has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, religious figures, athletes, and judges.