Gerlene

“A variation of the name Geraldine, meaning 'rule of the spear'”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1660US 2023

540Births / yr

→Stable

268All-time births

📅 Since 191600

What does Gerlene mean and where does it come from?

The name Gerlene is a modern variation of Geraldine, which is of Old German origin. The first recorded use of Gerlene in the United States can be traced back to the late 20th century. It is relatively uncommon but has seen some regional popularity, particularly in the Southern states. Notable indivi

Cultural significance

Gerlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of the name geraldine, meaning 'rule of the spear'.

Peak popularity

Reached #2530 in 1940 — currently #1660 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gerlene?

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

Gerlene Grace

How popular is Gerlene right now?

Holding steady — currently #1660 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#1660 · Top 1.2%

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1660	540	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1665	520	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1670	490	▲ up 3299 · +8067% births
1950	#4969	6	▼ down 1406 · -25% births
1945	#3563	8	▼ down 1033 · -33% births
1940	#2530	12	▲ up 356 · +20% births
1935	#2886	10	▲ up 2075 · +100% births
1930	#4961	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gerlene

Best Year2023Rank #1660

Peak Count540

Average Rank#2988

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1930 - 20238 years

The story of Gerlene

Gerlene entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 268 total births recorded, Gerlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4961 in 1930 to #1660 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gerlene in 1940:

Mary Barbara Patricia Judith Betty

Gerlene by decade

Gerlene peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	6
1920s	34
1930s ★	95
1940s	84
1950s	49

💎Gerlene has only 268 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gerlene?

Common

GerGeEne

What names sound and feel like Gerlene?

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

Gerene

American · A modern variant

Geralene

American · A beloved name

Gerline

American · French

Jerlene

American · spear ruler

Berlene

American · bright and shining

Gearlene

American · A blend of

Perlene

American · A gem that

Lerlene

American · Unknown

Common questions about the name Gerlene

What does the name Gerlene mean?

Gerlene means "A variation of the name Geraldine, meaning 'rule of the spear'" — 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 Gerlene?

Gerlene 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 Gerlene?

Gerlene 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 Gerlene a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Gerlene?

Gerlene 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.