Charlene is of French origin, meaning "free man" or "strong". It is a feminine given name that gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name has a unique sound and offers a sophisticated alternative to more traditional names like Charlotte or Charlotta. It consists of four syllables, which gives it a rhythmical flow when spoken aloud. Charlene can also be shortened to Charlie or Lee for an informal or nickname option.
The name Charlene experienced varying popularity over the years, peaking between 1957 and 1964 with at least 10 births each year. It was most popular in 1957 and 1964 with 14 births each year. However, it declined significantly after 1972, with only a handful of births per year from 1974 onwards, indicating that the name Charlene is no longer widely used today.