“Free man” — Associated with concepts such as freedom and strength due to its m
American origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#11681US 2023
8Births / yr
↑Rising
4.1kAll-time births
📅 Since 191300.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Karlene
KAH·ruln·AY
/ˈkɑ.rəln.ˈeɪ/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables
“Free man”
Associated with concepts such as freedom and strength due to its m · American origin
What does Karlene mean and where does it come from?
Karlene is a modern English feminine name, often considered a variant of the name 'Caroline' or 'Karla'. The name gained popularity in the mid-20th century and can be associated with concepts such as freedom and strength due to its meaning. Notably, the name Karlene has various spellings and could a
Cultural significance
Karlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.
Peak popularity
Reached #789 in 1939 — currently #11681 in the US.
Rising fast — up 4786 spots — currently #11681 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1915–2023#11681 · Top 8.6%
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#11681
8
▲ up 4786 · +60% births
2022
#16467
5
▼ down 3639 · -29% births
2021
#12828
7
▼ down 3895 · -36% births
2020
#8933
11
▲ up 2370 · +22% births
2010
#11303
9
▼ down 1113 · -10% births
2005
#10190
10
▼ down 5023 · -55% births
2000
#5167
22
▼ down 1733 · -31% births
1995
#3434
32
▲ up 2166 · +100% births
1990
#5600
16
▼ down 3103 · -59% births
1985
#2497
39
▲ up 61 · +5% births
1980
#2558
37
▼ down 350 · -3% births
1975
#2208
38
▼ down 548 · -32% births
1970
#1660
56
▼ down 362 · -20% births
1965
#1298
70
▼ down 174 · -26% births
1960
#1124
94
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Karlene
1940Rank #904
94
#4946
↘Falling
1915 - 202324 years
The story of Karlene
Karlene entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 4,139 total births recorded, Karlene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3688 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11681 in 2023.
Karlene means "Free man" — 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 Karlene?
Karlene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Karlene have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Karlene?
Karlene 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 Karlene?
Karlene is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R AH0 L N EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Karlene?
Karlene 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.
Sibling names that pair with Karlene
For a sister
Karlene & Harrison♡
Karlene & Dean♡
Karlene & Grant♡
Karlene & Preston♡
For a brother
Karlene & Harrison♡
Karlene & Dean♡
Karlene & Grant♡
Karlene & Preston♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#11681
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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