Dorlene

“A combination of the names Doris and Arlene, often interpreted as 'beloved' or 'dweller by the sea'”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1177US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

546All-time births

📅 Since 191500

What does Dorlene mean and where does it come from?

Dorlene is a relatively modern name that gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States. Although it is not widely used today, it can be found in various regions across the country. It exists in a creative blend of traditional names, which may appeal to parents looking for unique yet

Cultural significance

Dorlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of the names doris and arlene, often interpreted as 'beloved' or 'dweller by the sea'.

Peak popularity

Reached #1510 in 1933 — currently #1177 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Dorlene?

Dorlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dorlene Grace

How popular is Dorlene right now?

Holding steady — currently #1177 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1177 · Top 0.87%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1177	1,023	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1182	1,003	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1187	973	▲ up 3742 · +12063% births
1960	#4929	8	▼ down 1029 · -20% births
1955	#3900	10	▲ up 1694 · +100% births
1950	#5594	5	▼ down 2320 · -44% births
1945	#3274	9	▼ down 387 · -10% births
1940	#2887	10	▼ down 603 · -29% births
1935	#2284	14	▲ up 524 · +27% births
1930	#2808	11	▼ down 205 · -21% births
1925	#2603	14	▲ up 1686 · +100% births
1920	#4289	7	▲ up 451 · +40% births
1915	#4740	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dorlene

Best Year2023Rank #1177

Peak Count1,023

Average Rank#3143

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202313 years

The story of Dorlene

Dorlene entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 546 total births recorded, Dorlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4740 in 1915 to #1177 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Dorlene in 1933:

Mary Betty Barbara Dorothy Joan

Dorlene by decade

Dorlene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	16
1920s	125
1930s ★	155
1940s	85
1950s	106
1960s	54
1970s	5

💎Dorlene has only 546 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Dorlene?

Common

DorDoEne

What names sound and feel like Dorlene?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dorlene also consider these

Dollene

American · little doll

American · A combination of

Morlene

American · Little sparrow

Common questions about the name Dorlene

What does the name Dorlene mean?

Dorlene means "A combination of the names Doris and Arlene, often interpreted as 'beloved' or 'dweller by the sea'" — 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 Dorlene?

Dorlene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Dorlene?

Dorlene 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.

Is Dorlene a common or rare name?

Dorlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Dorlene?

Dorlene naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.