What does Sharlene mean and where does it come from?
Sharlene is a variant of Charlotte, stemming from the Old German name Karl, which means 'free man' or 'strong.' The name gained popularity in the mid-20th century and provides a softer and more feminine-feeling alternative to Charlotte. It has been used in literature and film, contributing to its fa
Cultural significance
Sharlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man, strong.
Peak popularity
Reached #462 in 1949 — currently #10788 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sharlene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sharlene?
Sharlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sharlene Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Sharlene Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Sharlene Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Sharlene Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Sharlene Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Sharlene Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Sharlene right now?
Rising fast — up 1213 spots — currently #10788 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10788 | 9 | ▲ up 1213 · +13% births |
| 2024 | #12001 | 8 | ▲ up 2899 · +33% births |
| 2023 | #14900 | 6 | ▼ down 6446 · -54% births |
| 2022 | #8454 | 13 | ▲ up 1000 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #9454 | 11 | ▼ down 2849 · -35% births |
| 2020 | #6605 | 17 | ▼ down 941 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #5664 | 23 | ▼ down 1842 · -42% births |
| 2010 | #3822 | 40 | ▲ up 225 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #4047 | 35 | ▼ down 633 · -10% births |
| 2000 | #3414 | 39 | ▼ down 1191 · -35% births |
| 1995 | #2223 | 60 | ▼ down 616 · -35% births |
| 1990 | #1607 | 93 | ▼ down 308 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #1299 | 103 | ▲ up 187 · +27% births |
| 1980 | #1486 | 81 | ▼ down 370 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #1116 | 105 | — |
The story of Sharlene
Sharlene entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. A total of 12,127 babies have received this name. Once ranked #3912 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14900 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sharlene in 1949:
Sharlene by decade
Sharlene peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 88 | |
| 1930s | 1,120 | |
| 1940s | 2,000 | |
| 1950s ★ | 2,893 | |
| 1960s | 2,463 | |
| 1970s | 1,314 | |
| 1980s | 970 | |
| 1990s | 621 | |
| 2000s | 395 | |
| 2010s | 241 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
What are good nicknames for Sharlene?
What names sound and feel like Sharlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sharlene also consider these
How is Sharlene written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Sharlene?
Common questions about the name Sharlene
What does the name Sharlene mean?
Sharlene means "free man, strong" — 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 Sharlene?
Sharlene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sharlene?
Sharlene 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 Sharlene?
Sharlene is a two-syllable name pronounced SHAH-rleen. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sharlene a common or rare name?
Sharlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.