MallowbyNames

Dalene

dah-LEEN · A variant of Darlene, likely a combination of 'darling' and the suffix '-ene'.

Peak popularity
1961
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Dalene since 1921

Babies named Dalene per year in U.S. Social Security records.

20406019602000Most births 1961Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s25
1930s108
1940s247
1950s433
1960s414
1970s194
1980s103
1990s31
2000s20
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Dalene is a vintage name from the early 20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1921. It reached its peak popularity in 1961, a year when many similar '-ene' names were at their height. Since then, its usage has remained stable but rare. The name has never cracked the top 1000 in any decade, maintaining a quiet presence. As a variant of Darlene, it shares a sweet, sentimental quality that appealed to parents mid-century. While not recorded among top states, its sound aligns with other feminine names of the era like Arlene and Marlene. The name's trajectory shows a steady, low-key usage rather than a revival.

Dalene is believed to be a variant of Darlene, a name that emerged in the early 20th century. Darlene itself is thought to be a blend of the English word 'darling' and the popular suffix '-ene', which was used in many feminine names of that era. Dalene first appeared in U.S. records in 1921, reflecting the trend of creating melodic, modern-sounding names.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Dale, Lena

Variants: Darlene, Darlyne

Sibling names for Dalene

Names that share Dalene's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Dalene, our favorite little girl.

D is for Dalene…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Dalene's letter becomes Dalene's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Dalene's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Dalene mean?
Dalene is a variant of Darlene, meaning "darling" or "beloved."
Is Dalene currently a popular name?
No, Dalene has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent years. Its peak popularity was in 1961.
Is Dalene typically a girl's name?
Yes, Dalene is almost exclusively used for girls.