Arleene

Meaning & origin

Arleene first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1916, during a period when variant spellings of familiar names were fashionable. It reached its highest usage in 1923, when it was given to a number of baby girls, reflecting the popularity of names like Arlene during that era. The name has since become rare, not appearing in recent top 1000 lists, but it maintains a classic vintage feel. The trajectory of Arleene has been stable over time, with occasional small spikes. Though it was never among the top 100 names, its usage in the 1920s places it among the softer, melodic names of that decade. Today, Arleene is a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with early 20th-century charm.

Arleene is a variant spelling of Arlene, a name that first appeared in the late 19th century. Its exact origin is uncertain: it may derive from the Irish name Eileen or from the feminine form of Charles (via Carlene), or it could be a blend of Mary and Eileen. Arleene gained modest popularity in the United States in the 1920s, with its peak usage in 1923.