Gaylene is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. The name Gaylene is believed to have been created by combining the elements "Gay" meaning joy or happiness, and "Lene," which is a variant of Helen, meaning torch or light in Greek.
The name Gaylene first gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States. During this time, there was a trend towards creating new names by blending different elements together to create unique and personal names for children. Gaylene is one such example of this trend, and it has remained relatively popular ever since.
There are no significant historical figures or characters associated with the name Gaylene, as it is not an established name from mythology, literature, or history. However, some notable individuals have carried the name Gaylene, including American actress Gaylene Grimes, who was born in 1947 and appeared in several films during the 1960s and 1970s.
Overall, Gaylene is a rare and unique given name with an attractive sound and a pleasant meaning. While it may not have a long history or many famous bearers, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Gaylene has a unique history of popularity in the United States. Between 1931 and 1995, there were a total of 2570 babies named Gaylene born in the country.
The peak years for this name were during the mid-20th century. In 1956, the name reached its highest point with 118 births that year alone. This was followed by another peak in 1957 with 104 births.
However, after these peaks, the popularity of Gaylene began to decline. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 50 babies were named Gaylene each year on average. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with only a handful of births registered annually.
Despite this decline in popularity over time, it's clear that Gaylene has been a distinctive name choice for parents in the United States throughout much of the 20th century. Its unique spelling and sound make it stand out among other names popular during its heyday.