Arlene
Arlene is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Pledge, oath, or free person.
Origin and history
Arlene is a given name that gained widespread popularity in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States. It is thought to be an English creation, potentially derived from Gaelic roots like Charlene or Arleen, or influenced by the name Marlene. Although its current usage has declined compared to its mid-century peak, it remains a recognizable classic feminine name.
Popularity in the United States
143,010 babies in the United States have been named Arlene since 1880. It ranks #280 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1397.
States where it is most popular
- NY (15.7 %)
- PA (10 %)
- CA (9.1 %)
- IL (7.2 %)
- MI (5.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 14 |
| 1890-1900 | 226 |
| 1900-1910 | 846 |
| 1910-1920 | 7,781 |
| 1920-1930 | 21,961 |
| 1930-1940 | 34,796 |
| 1940-1950 | 29,093 |
| 1950-1960 | 20,652 |
| 1960-1970 | 11,234 |
| 1970-1980 | 4,654 |
| 1980-1990 | 3,670 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,190 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,615 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,559 |
| 2020-2029 | 719 |
Famous people named Arlene
- Arlene Dahl: Actress, Businesswoman
- Arlene Francis: Actress, Panelist
Nicknames
Arly, Lena
Fun facts
- Arlene ranked among the top 100 most popular girls' names in the U.S. from the 1920s through the 1950s.
- The name is commonly found with alternative spellings such as Arleen and Arlene.