Jerlene

“spear ruler”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1349US 2023

851Births / yr

→Stable

924All-time births

📅 Since 191500

What does Jerlene mean and where does it come from?

Jerlene is an American variant of the names Geraldine and Jeralyn, ingrained in 20th-century naming practices. The name suggests a strong character, being a derivative that conveys leadership qualities. Its popularity peaked mid-1900s, making it a nostalgic choice for some parents.

Cultural significance

Jerlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear ruler.

Peak popularity

Reached #1232 in 1937 — currently #1349 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Jerlene?

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

Jerlene Grace

How popular is Jerlene right now?

Holding steady — currently #1349 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1349 · Top 1.00%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1965

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1349	851	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1354	831	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1359	801	▲ up 4585 · +9913% births
1970	#5944	8	▲ up 822 · +60% births
1965	#6766	5	▼ down 3082 · -55% births
1955	#3684	11	▼ down 1695 · -54% births
1950	#1989	24	▼ down 661 · -35% births
1945	#1328	37	▲ up 13 · +16% births
1940	#1341	32	▼ down 39
1935	#1302	32	▲ up 510 · +52% births
1930	#1812	21	▲ up 1800 · +133% births
1925	#3612	9	▲ up 248 · +13% births
1920	#3860	8	▲ up 939 · +60% births
1915	#4799	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Jerlene

Best Year1935Rank #1302

Peak Count851

Average Rank#2893

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Jerlene

Jerlene entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 924 total births recorded, Jerlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4799 in 1915 to #1349 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Jerlene in 1937:

Mary Barbara Patricia Shirley Betty

Jerlene by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	10
1920s	115
1930s	271
1940s ★	309
1950s	154
1960s	33
1970s	21
1980s	11

💎Jerlene has only 924 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Jerlene?

Common

JerJeEne

What names sound and feel like Jerlene?

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

Jerrene

American · A combination of

Jerene

American · English

Jeslene

American · a variant of

Jeralene

American · Variation of Geraldine

Jeilene

American · bright and shining

Berlene

American · bright and shining

Gerlene

American · A variation of

Jearlene

American · English

Common questions about the name Jerlene

What does the name Jerlene mean?

Jerlene means "spear ruler" — 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 Jerlene?

Jerlene 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 Jerlene?

Jerlene 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 Jerlene a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Jerlene?

Jerlene 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.