The name Arun originates from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that dates back to the second millennium BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "aruna," which means "reddish-brown" or "dawn." The name is believed to have been first used in ancient India, where it was associated with the rising sun and the beginning of a new day.

In Hindu mythology, Arun is the name of the charioteer of the sun god Surya. According to the Vedas, one of the oldest scriptures in the world, Arun drives the chariot that carries the sun across the sky each day. This connection to the sun and the dawn has made the name Arun a popular choice in many parts of India and other regions influenced by Hindu culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arun can be found in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic that dates back to around the 8th century BCE. In this epic, Arun is mentioned as the name of a warrior who fought alongside the Pandavas in the great war of Kurukshetra.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Arun. One of the most famous was Arun Asaf Jah, who was the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, a princely state in India, from 1762 to 1803. Another notable figure was Arun Jaitley, an Indian politician who served as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs from 2014 to 2019.

Other notable individuals with the name Arun include Arun Shourie, an Indian journalist, author, and former Minister of Communications and Information Technology in India, born in 1941. Arun Govil, an Indian actor best known for his portrayal of Lord Rama in the popular television series Ramayan, born in 1959. Arun Vajpey, an Indian politician and former member of the Indian Parliament, born in 1937.

While the name Arun has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with significant Indian diaspora populations. The name's association with the dawn and the beginning of a new day has made it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a positive and auspicious meaning.