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Arlene Girl

Popularity: #839 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationAR-leen / ˈɑːr.liːn

English; Irish

Meaning

English: pledge; Irish: promise

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Arlene is believed to have originated from the Irish name Eireann, which means 'Ireland' or 'from Ireland.' This name was adapted into the English language through various transformations, with influences from Gaelic and Norman French. The name Eireann itself is derived from the Old Irish word 'Ériu,' which is the name of a goddess in Irish mythology, symbolizing the land of Ireland. The transition into Arlene may have also been influenced by the Old French name 'Arelene,' which is a diminutive form of the name Arel, meaning 'oath' or 'pledge.' This linguistic journey illustrates the blending of Celtic and Norman elements in the development of English names.

Historically, the name Arlene gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with the literary works of the time, reflecting the romantic and pastoral themes prevalent in Victorian literature. The name may have been popularized further by its use in various cultural contexts, including theater and music, during the early 20th century. Notably, the name appears in the works of authors and playwrights, contributing to its recognition in popular culture.

Culturally, Arlene carries connotations of beauty and grace, often associated with the ideals of femininity in literature and art. The name has been embraced in various forms, with diminutives such as Arly or Arlynn occasionally used, reflecting a trend in naming practices that favor softer, more affectionate variations. The enduring quality of the name Arlene can be attributed to its melodic sound and the positive imagery it evokes, allowing it to maintain a presence in the lexicon of names throughout the centuries.

Trend Summary

Arlene has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Arlyne
  • Arlena

International Variants

  • Arlène (French)
  • Arlina (Indonesian)

Famous people named Arlene

Arlene Dahl is an actress best known for Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Bride Goes Wild, and Reign of Terror.

Arlene Phillips is a choreographer and television personality best known for her work on Strictly Come Dancing, Starlight Express, and as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.

Fictional characters named Arlene

Arlene is a fictional character from the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball. She is a classmate of Gumball and Darwin, known for her cheerful personality and love for fashion.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Arlene was first seen in the United States in 1888. Arlene has ranked as high as #103 nationally, which occurred in 1934, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Arlene has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Arlene (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 24
49%
TX 12
24%
NY 8
16%
OH 5
10%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18889
18895
189011
189113
189219
189317
189419
189523
189633
189728
189830
189933
190047
190138
190247
190367
190459
190577
1906107
1907101
1908143
1909160
1910207
1911226
1912325
1913471
1914608
1915864
19161,105
19171,208
19181,340
19191,427
19201,594
19211,837
19221,884
19232,090
19242,277
19252,275
19262,522
19272,563
19282,521
19292,398
19302,509
19313,217
19323,109
19333,185
19343,917
19353,684
19363,898
19373,806
19383,893
19393,578
19403,257
19413,291
19423,331
19433,145
19442,714
19452,771
19462,801
19472,907
19482,480
19492,395
19502,390
19512,502
19522,330
19532,305
19542,075
19551,982
19561,807
19571,693
19581,778
19591,791
19601,624
19611,554
19621,341
19631,295
19641,224
19651,053
1966911
1967773
1968719
1969738
1970718
1971605
1972500
1973501
1974435
1975408
1976416
1977391
1978355
1979325
1980371
1981413
1982421
1983369
1984350
1985347
1986353
1987364
1988341
1989341
1990314
1991332
1992369
1993342
1994298
1995297
1996302
1997319
1998304
1999313
2000286
2001280
2002318
2003285
2004244
2005307
2006242
2007225
2008234
2009194
2010208
2011179
2012157
2013159
2014150
2015171
2016148
2017153
2018114
2019120
2020134
2021115
2022119
2023112
2024111