Gaylene

“Joyful, happy”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1504US 2023

696Births / yr

→Stable

2.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 193100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gaylene

GAY·LEEN

/ˈɡeɪ.ˈliːn/ · stress on GAY · 2 syllables

“Joyful, happy”

American origin · Girl name

What does Gaylene mean and where does it come from?

Gaylene is a variant of the name Gayle, which has its roots in English and is derived from the old French word 'gaï' meaning 'joyful.' This name gained popularity in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Australia. The name Gaylene carries a cheerf

Cultural significance

Gaylene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of joyful, happy.

Peak popularity

Reached #932 in 1956 — currently #1504 in the US.

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How else can you spell Gaylene?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Gaylene?

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

Gaylene Grace

How popular is Gaylene right now?

Holding steady — currently #1504 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1504 · Top 1.1%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1990

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1504	696	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1509	676	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1514	646	▲ up 12166 · +12820% births
1995	#13680	5	▼ down 414
1990	#13266	5	▼ down 2538
1980	#10728	5	▼ down 6903 · -71% births
1975	#3825	17	▼ down 1883 · -61% births
1970	#1942	44	▼ down 661 · -38% births
1965	#1281	71	▼ down 155 · -24% births
1960	#1126	94	▼ down 21 · +15% births
1955	#1105	82	▼ down 27 · +12% births
1950	#1078	73	▲ up 132 · +66% births
1945	#1210	44	▲ up 82 · +29% births
1940	#1292	34	▲ up 801 · +113% births
1935	#2093	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gaylene

Best Year1950Rank #1078

Peak Count696

Average Rank#3810

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1935 - 202315 years

The story of Gaylene

Gaylene entered American naming records in 1931 and has been in use for over 93 years. With 2,569 total births recorded, Gaylene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2093 in 1935 to #1504 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gaylene in 1956:

Mary Debra Linda Deborah Susan

Gaylene by decade

Gaylene peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	207
1940s	496
1950s ★	895
1960s	716
1970s	215
1980s	30
1990s	10

💎With 2,569 total births, Gaylene is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Gaylene?

Common

GayGaEne

What names sound and feel like Gaylene?

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

Garlene

American · a combination of

Gailene

American · My Father is

Taylene

American · derived from Taylor

American · joyful, lively

Jaylene

American · jay bird

Raylene

American · Ewe, female sheep

Common questions about the name Gaylene

What does the name Gaylene mean?

Gaylene means "Joyful, happy" — 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 Gaylene?

Gaylene 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 Gaylene?

Gaylene 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 Gaylene?

Gaylene is a two-syllable name pronounced G EY1 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gaylene a common or rare name?

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