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Charlene Girl

Popularity: #835 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationshar-LEEN / ʃɑːrˈliːn

French; English

Meaning

French: free man; English: diminutive of Charles

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Charlene is derived from the masculine name Charles, which has its roots in the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "man." The name Karl was introduced to England by the Normans in the form of Charles, which became popular in the Middle Ages. The feminine form Charlene emerged in the 19th century as a diminutive or variation of Charles, combining the suffix "-ene" to create a distinctly feminine version. This transformation reflects a common linguistic practice of adapting male names into female forms by adding feminine suffixes, a trend observed in various cultures and languages.

Historically, the name Charles has been borne by numerous significant figures, including Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and Lombards in the late 8th and early 9th centuries, who was a pivotal figure in European history and the Carolingian Renaissance. The name has also been associated with various saints and monarchs throughout the centuries, contributing to its enduring legacy. The feminine form Charlene gained traction in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, influenced by the popularity of the name Charles and its variants.

Culturally, Charlene has been embraced in literature and media, often symbolizing grace and strength, which are qualities associated with its root name Charles. The name has been used in various artistic works and has appeared in popular culture, further solidifying its place in the lexicon of names. The diminutive form Charlie is also noteworthy, as it has been used affectionately across different contexts, reflecting the name's versatility and appeal. Overall, Charlene carries with it a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in the legacy of its masculine counterpart.

Trend Summary

Charlene experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Charleen
  • Sharlene

International Variants

  • Carolina (Spanish)
  • Carlene (English)

Famous people named Charlene

Charlene Tilton is an actress best known for Dallas, The Love Boat, and The Golden Girls.

Charlene Choi is a singer and actress best known for her work with the duo Twins, and films like The Twins Effect and The Sorcerer and the White Snake.

Charlene Soraia is a singer-songwriter best known for her song Wherever You Will Go, and her album Love Is the Law.

Fictional characters named Charlene

Charlene is a fictional character from the animated television series The Magic School Bus. She is a student in Ms. Frizzle's class who often participates in the adventurous field trips.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Charlene was first seen in the United States in 1888. Charlene has ranked as high as #202 nationally, which occurred in 1952, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Charlene has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Charlene (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 20
38%
TX 13
25%
OH 8
15%
GA 6
12%
FL 5
10%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18885
18926
18957
18969
189812
18996
19006
19016
19028
19036
190413
190513
190611
190719
190829
190928
191031
191140
191261
191375
191489
1915133
1916169
1917203
1918248
1919233
1920294
1921318
1922332
1923390
1924449
1925587
1926581
1927833
1928854
1929932
1930987
19311,008
19321,123
19331,174
19341,344
19351,395
19361,482
19371,580
19381,673
19391,705
19401,686
19412,060
19422,319
19432,354
19442,433
19452,388
19463,037
19473,477
19483,487
19493,541
19503,448
19513,441
19523,546
19533,504
19543,242
19553,301
19563,275
19573,150
19583,066
19592,745
19602,894
19612,832
19622,564
19632,728
19642,807
19652,590
19662,187
19672,077
19681,947
19691,997
19701,983
19711,733
19721,462
19731,206
19741,070
19751,074
19761,080
19771,068
1978937
1979934
19801,070
19811,003
19821,060
1983961
1984936
1985902
1986785
1987804
1988707
1989710
1990659
1991531
1992473
1993427
1994406
1995310
1996291
1997307
1998252
1999208
2000191
2001168
2002170
2003165
2004202
2005178
2006190
2007182
2008153
2009142
2010136
2011134
2012134
2013116
2014159
2015146
2016147
2017153
2018112
2019111
2020119
2021114
2022111
2023102
2024115