Arlene is a feminine given name of American origin. It is a variant of the name Arline, which was derived from the male name Harold. The name Harold is of Old German origin and means "army power" or "noble army". Therefore, Arlene can be interpreted as meaning "army power" or "noble army".
The name Arlene first gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. It was often used as a given name for girls born to families of German descent, although it has since become more widely used across different ethnic backgrounds.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Arlene. One of the most famous is American singer and actress Arlene Francis (1907-2001), who was known for her roles on stage, screen, and television. Another notable Arlene is American actress Arleen Sorkin (born 1955), who is best known for her role as Janice Litman-Goralnik on the sitcom "Friends".
Today, Arlene remains a relatively uncommon but beloved name for girls. It has a classic yet unique sound that makes it stand out from more traditional names like Barbara or Margaret. Parents who choose this name for their daughters may do so because they appreciate its historical significance or simply because they like its distinctive sound and spelling.
The name Arlene experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. From just 9 births in 1888, it peaked in 1921 with a record 1837 births. However, from the late 1950s onwards, its popularity declined steadily, with only 112 births recorded in 2023. This trend mirrors the overall decrease in popularity of many traditional names in recent decades.