Carlene is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by combining the names Carl and Lena, although there is no definitive record of its creation. The name Carlene gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and has since become somewhat popular throughout North America.
The meaning of Carlene is not clearly defined as it is a coined name, but some people associate it with the combination of its supposed origins. "Carl" is a Germanic name derived from the word "Karl," which means "strong" or "free man." Meanwhile, "Lena" is a Greek name meaning "torch" or "light." Therefore, Carlene could be interpreted as signifying strength and light.
Despite its uncertain origin and meaning, Carlene has been embraced by many families who have chosen it for their daughters. It has also been used in popular culture, such as in the film "Carlene's Flute" (1976) directed by Paul Mazursky. Although not widely recognized like some other names, Carlene remains a charming and memorable choice with its own unique history.
"The name Carlene experienced a significant surge in popularity between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a notable spike from 28 births in 1914 to 42 births in 1915. This trend continued into the 1920s, reaching its peak with 294 births in 1936. However, since then, Carlene has seen a steady decline in usage, dropping from 277 births in 1938 to just 7 births in 2023."