Carlene
“Carlene is derived from Charles and has been in use since the 19th century”
American origin · Girl name
#15373US 2025
5Births / yr
↓Falling
15.2kAll-time births
📅 Since 189500.03% of births at peak
How to pronounce Carlene
KAH·rleen
/ˈkɑ.ˌrliːn/ · stress on KAH · 2 syllables
“Carlene is derived from Charles and has been in use since the 19th century”
American origin · Girl name
What does Carlene mean and where does it come from?
Carlene is derived from Charles and has been in use since the 19th century. Its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries. Notable people include Carlene Carter, an American country music singer.
Cultural significance
Carlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #377 in 1936 — currently #15373 in the US.
How popular is Carlene right now?
Falling — down 6822 spots — currently #15373 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Carlene
Carlene has been a beloved American name for over 129 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1895. A total of 15,176 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1770 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12386 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Carlene in 1936:
Carlene by decade
Carlene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 40 | |
| 1910s | 305 | |
| 1920s | 839 | |
| 1930s | 2,273 | |
| 1940s | 3,025 | |
| 1950s ★ | 3,300 | |
| 1960s | 2,390 | |
| 1970s | 1,028 | |
| 1980s | 788 | |
| 1990s | 582 | |
| 2000s | 406 | |
| 2010s | 183 | |
| 2020s | 29 |
What are good nicknames for Carlene?
ANCIENT GERMANIC
Carolina
CROATIAN
KarolinaLina
CZECH
KájaKarolína
DANISH
CarolineCharlotteInaKarolinaKarolineLinaLineLotte
How is Carlene written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Carlene?
Carolus ANCIENT GERMANICKarl ANCIENT GERMANICCarles CATALANCarlos CATALANKarlo CROATIANKarel CZECHCarl DANISHKarl DANISHKarel DUTCHCarl ENGLISHCarol ENGLISHCharles ENGLISHCharley ENGLISHCharlie ENGLISHChas ENGLISHChaz ENGLISHChip ENGLISHChuck ENGLISHKarl ENGLISHKaarle FINNISHKaarlo FINNISHKalle FINNISHKarl FINNISHCharles FRENCHCharlot FRENCHCarl GERMANKarl GERMANKale HAWAIIANKarcsi HUNGARIANKároly HUNGARIANSéarlas IRISHCarlo ITALIANSjarel LIMBURGISHKarolis LITHUANIANCarl NORWEGIANKarl NORWEGIANKarol POLISHCarlinhos PORTUGUESECarlito PORTUGUESECarlitos PORTUGUESECarlos PORTUGUESECarol ROMANIANKarol SLOVAKKarel SLOVENEKarol SLOVENECarlito SPANISHCarlitos SPANISHCarlos SPANISHCarl SWEDISHKalle SWEDISHKarl SWEDISHSiarl WELSHCharlemagne HISTORY
Common questions about the name Carlene
What does the name Carlene mean?
Carlene means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Carlene?
Carlene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Carlene?
Carlene originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Carlene?
Carlene is a two-syllable name pronounced KAH-rleen. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Carlene a common or rare name?
Carlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.