Holding steady.
Popularity of Erlene since 1903
Babies named Erlene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 287 |
| 1920s | 557 |
| 1930s | 578 |
| 1940s | 420 |
| 1950s | 282 |
| 1960s | 110 |
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Erlene is a name that saw its highest usage in the United States during the 1930s, peaking in 1933. Despite being consistently recorded since 1903, it has never entered the top 1000 names, reflecting its status as a relatively uncommon choice. The name belongs to a family of similar-sounding names like Arlene, Darlene, and Marlene that were fashionable in the early to mid-20th century. While its precise meaning is debated, it likely shares roots with names meaning 'noblewoman' or 'pledge'. Today, Erlene remains a rare but recognized name, with a trajectory that has been stable at very low usage levels.
Erlene likely originated as a variant of Arlene, which itself is a modern coinage from the early 20th century, possibly influenced by names like Darlene or Marlene. The name Earline, a feminine form of Earl, means 'noblewoman' or 'countess', and Erlene may also derive from that. Its usage peaked in the 1930s in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Erl, Lena, Erlie
Sibling names for Erlene
Names that share Erlene's style, for a brother or sister.
