Arleene is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the French name Arlette, which means "little noblewoman" or "noble and small". The name Arlette is itself a diminutive form of the Germanic name Aragundis, which consists of the elements "ar" meaning "war" and "gund" meaning "protection".
The name Arleene first gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. It was often used as a middle or nickname but has since become more commonly used as a given name. Despite its American roots, the name Arleene is not particularly common and remains somewhat unique.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Arleene. One of the most famous is Arleen Sorkin, an American actress known for her role as Calliope Jones on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives". Another notable figure is Arleen Auger, a Canadian-American soprano opera singer who was known for her powerful and expressive voice.
Overall, the name Arleene is a charming and distinctive choice with a rich history and meaning behind it. Its unique sound and American origins make it a great option for parents looking for something special for their child.
"The name Arleene experienced its peak popularity between the years of 1918 and 1924, with a total of 76 babies given this name during these seven years alone. However, it appears that by the late 1950s, the name's usage had significantly declined, as there were no recorded births of Arleene between the years 1952 and 1984. Since then, its popularity has remained relatively low, with less than 10 births each year, aside from a brief spike in 1997 when 13 babies were named Arleene."