Harlene

“A variant of the names Harley and Darlene, often interpreted as 'from the hare's meadow'.”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#15968US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 191500.01% of births at peak

What does Harlene mean and where does it come from?

Harlene is predominantly used in North America and became popular in the mid-20th century. Its construction suggests a blend of traditional elements from names like Harley, which means ‘hare’ and 'meadow,' and Darlene, a name that implies affection. The name has a soft, lyrical quality to it and is

Cultural significance

Harlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of the names harley and darlene, often interpreted as 'from the hare's meadow'..

Peak popularity

Reached #758 in 1937 — currently #15968 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Harlene?

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

Harlene Grace

How popular is Harlene right now?

Falling — down 8629 spots — currently #15968 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2020#15968 · Top 12%

1915

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#15135	5	▼ down 8629 · -29% births
1970	#6506	7	▲ up 245 · +40% births
1965	#6751	5	▼ down 2183 · -44% births
1960	#4568	9	▼ down 2124 · -57% births
1955	#2444	21	▼ down 288
1950	#2156	21	▼ down 545 · -22% births
1945	#1611	27	▼ down 536 · -41% births
1940	#1075	46	▼ down 46
1935	#1029	46	▲ up 2234 · +411% births
1930	#3263	9	▲ up 994 · +29% births
1925	#4257	7	▼ down 1139 · -22% births
1915	#3118	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Harlene

Best Year1935Rank #1029

Peak Count46

Average Rank#4326

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202012 years

The story of Harlene

Harlene entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 1,119 total births recorded, Harlene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3118 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15135 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Harlene in 1937:

Mary Barbara Patricia Shirley Betty

Harlene by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	23
1920s	46
1930s ★	422
1940s	348
1950s	159
1960s	67
1970s	34
2000s	5
2010s	10
2020s	5

💎With 1,119 total births, Harlene is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Harlene?

Common

HarHaEne

What names sound and feel like Harlene?

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

Harolene

American · Army ruler

Harline

American · A variant derived

Garlene

American · a combination of

American · hare meadow

Sharlene

American · free man, strong

Darlene

American · English

Common questions about the name Harlene

What does the name Harlene mean?

Harlene means "A variant of the names Harley and Darlene, often interpreted as 'from the hare's meadow'." — 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 Harlene?

Harlene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Harlene have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Harlene?

Harlene 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.

What sibling names go well with Harlene?

Harlene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Harlene trending right now?

Harlene is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.