Jolene is a unique and captivating feminine given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by the famous singer-songwriter Dolly Parton for her song "Jolene" released in 1973. The song tells the story of a woman named Jolene who tries to persuade another woman not to take her lover away from her.
The meaning and history of the name Jolene are somewhat uncertain as it is not derived from any known source. Some theories suggest that Dolly Parton may have been inspired by a real person named Jolene, while others believe she invented the name for the sake of the song's narrative. Regardless of its origin, Jolene has become increasingly popular as a given name in the United States and beyond since the release of the iconic song.
One interesting aspect about the name Jolene is that it can be spelled in various ways, including Jolen, Jouline, and Juleen, among others. Despite these variations, the most common spelling remains Jolene. In terms of its meaning, some sources suggest that Jolene may be derived from the English word "jolity," which means cheerful or lively. However, this connection is not widely accepted, and the true origin and meaning of the name Jolene remain a mystery.
Today, Jolene continues to be recognized as a unique and distinctive feminine given name, often associated with Dolly Parton's hit song. Parents who choose this name for their daughters may do so for its musical connection or simply because they appreciate its uncommon sound and style. Whatever the reason, Jolene is sure to make a memorable impression wherever it is heard.
The name Jolene has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1918 and 2023, there have been a total of 35,295 births registered with the name Jolene.
The name first began to gain traction in the late 1920s, with a steady increase from 56 births in 1928 to a peak of 137 births in 1937. This trend continued into the early 1940s, reaching an all-time high of 250 births in 1946.
However, after this point, the popularity of the name began to decline rapidly. By 1967, there were only 388 births registered with the name Jolene, and this number continued to decrease over the following decades. The lowest point was reached in 1992, with just 176 births.
Interestingly, since the late 1990s, the popularity of the name Jolene has begun to rise once again. In 2014, there were 388 births registered with the name, and this number has continued to fluctuate between 549 and 693 births per year up until 2022.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Jolene has experienced significant ups and downs over the past century, it remains a notable choice among parents in the United States.