What does Starlene mean and where does it come from?
Starlene is a combination of 'star' and the feminine suffix '-lene', commonly formed in the mid-20th century as a unique name for girls. It evokes celestial imagery and connotations of beauty and brilliance. The name has been used in popular culture but remains relatively rare.
Cultural significance
Starlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star-like or shining star.
Peak popularity
Reached #1292 in 1950 — currently #17202 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Starlene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Starlene?
Starlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Starlene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Starlene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Starlene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Starlene Claire
French influence · crisp
Starlene Jane
Literary · strong
Starlene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Starlene right now?
Falling — down 4687 spots — currently #17202 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #15235 | 5 | ▼ down 4687 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #10548 | 10 | ▼ down 301 |
| 2005 | #10247 | 10 | ▲ up 657 · +25% births |
| 2000 | #10904 | 8 | ▼ down 183 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #10721 | 7 | ▼ down 1297 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #9424 | 8 | ▼ down 5075 · -56% births |
| 1985 | #4349 | 18 | ▼ down 146 |
| 1980 | #4203 | 18 | ▲ up 476 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #4679 | 13 | ▼ down 896 · -19% births |
| 1970 | #3783 | 16 | ▼ down 1499 · -43% births |
| 1965 | #2284 | 28 | ▼ down 339 · -20% births |
| 1960 | #1945 | 35 | ▲ up 73 · +21% births |
| 1955 | #2018 | 29 | ▼ down 726 · -43% births |
| 1950 | #1292 | 51 | ▲ up 2355 · +538% births |
| 1945 | #3647 | 8 | — |
The story of Starlene
Starlene entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. With 1,283 total births recorded, Starlene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4929 in 1940, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15235 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Starlene in 1950:
Starlene by decade
Starlene peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 23 | |
| 1940s | 137 | |
| 1950s ★ | 307 | |
| 1960s | 300 | |
| 1970s | 148 | |
| 1980s | 163 | |
| 1990s | 85 | |
| 2000s | 87 | |
| 2010s | 28 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 1,283 total births, Starlene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Starlene?
What names sound and feel like Starlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Starlene also consider these
Common questions about the name Starlene
What does the name Starlene mean?
Starlene means "Star-like or shining star" — 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 Starlene?
Starlene 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 Starlene?
Starlene 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 Starlene?
Starlene is a two-syllable name pronounced S T AA1 R L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Starlene a common or rare name?
Starlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.