Arleta is a Polish feminine given name, a borrowing of the French name Arlette. Like its French counterpart, Arleta ultimately traces its roots back to the Germanic name Herleva, which is thought to be composed of the elements heri meaning "army" and leiba meaning "remnant, legacy" (or their Old Norse cognates herr and leif, related to the name Herleif). Herleva is historically significant as the name of the mother of William the Conqueror (c. 1028–1087), the first Norman king of England. According to tradition, Herleva was a commoner, and her marriage to Robert I, Duke of Normandy, set the stage for William's eventual claim to the English throne. Despite her humble origins, Herleva's legacy is preserved through the naming tradition that eventually led to names like Arlette and Arleta. Cultural Significance Arleta, though of Germanic origin, has been fully integrated into Polish onomastics as a feminine given name. It is relatively rare in Poland but has been borne by a few notable figures, such as Polish actress Arleta (stage name of a singer or performer). The name also appears as a place name in the United States, notably Arleta, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. This place name derived from the given name and gained some notice, but the name Arleta itself is primarily associated with its Polish usage. Related forms include the Catalan Arlet, French Arlette, Portuguese Arlete, and Spanish (Latin American) Arleth. The masculine Old Norse root Herleif has both feminine and modern Scandinavian masculine forms. Key Facts Meaning: Feminine form of Arlette, ultimately from Germanic elements meaning “army” and “legacy” or “remnant” Origin: French → Germanic Type: Given name Usage: Polish