Arlene, a name often associated with grace and charm, holds a unique place in the history of baby names. This article delves into the popularity of Arlene, exploring its origins, trends, and alternatives. The name Arlene has a certain vintage appeal, conjuring images of classic elegance.
(Image of Arlene)
Arlene Name Popularity
How popular is the name Arlene? Let’s explore the data to understand its historical trends.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides detailed information on name popularity, and the data for Arlene reveals a fascinating story. The name began its ascent in the early 20th century.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 269 | 163 | 0.0463% |
| 1911 | 267 | 170 | 0.0457% |
| 1912 | 249 | 273 | 0.0541% |
| 1913 | 220 | 434 | 0.0765% |
| 1914 | 210 | 559 | 0.0802% |
| 1915 | 192 | 842 | 0.0927% |
| 1916 | 172 | 1,083 | 0.1121% |
| 1917 | 167 | 1,186 | 0.1185% |
| 1918 | 166 | 1,308 | 0.1219% |
| 1919 | 154 | 1,406 | 0.1343% |
| 1920 | 145 | 1,574 | 0.1416% |
| 1921 | 138 | 1,821 | 0.159% |
| 1922 | 133 | 1,871 | 0.1679% |
| 1923 | 127 | 2,074 | 0.1852% |
| 1924 | 122 | 2,263 | 0.1949% |
| 1925 | 120 | 2,257 | 0.1997% |
| 1926 | 108 | 2,506 | 0.2278% |
| 1927 | 108 | 2,546 | 0.23% |
| 1928 | 106 | 2,504 | 0.234% |
| 1929 | 105 | 2,385 | 0.2303% |
| 1930 | 103 | 2,481 | 0.2375% |
| 1931 | 77 | 3,205 | 0.3247% |
| 1932 | 80 | 3,091 | 0.3129% |
| 1933 | 74 | 3,174 | 0.3407% |
| 1934 | 53 | 3,903 | 0.4037% |
| 1935 | 59 | 3,680 | 0.3787% |
| 1936 | 54 | 3,891 | 0.4039% |
| 1937 | 60 | 3,804 | 0.386% |
| 1938 | 63 | 3,883 | 0.3793% |
| 1939 | 69 | 3,561 | 0.3501% |
| 1940 | 75 | 3,252 | 0.306% |
| 1941 | 77 | 3,281 | 0.2915% |
| 1942 | 83 | 3,326 | 0.2634% |
| 1943 | 90 | 3,135 | 0.2401% |
| 1944 | 101 | 2,704 | 0.2182% |
| 1945 | 99 | 2,769 | 0.227% |
| 1946 | 113 | 2,795 | 0.1894% |
| 1947 | 118 | 2,903 | 0.1739% |
| 1948 | 125 | 2,462 | 0.1542% |
| 1949 | 133 | 2,389 | 0.1485% |
| 1950 | 131 | 2,383 | 0.148% |
| 1951 | 134 | 2,490 | 0.1469% |
| 1952 | 147 | 2,322 | 0.133% |
| 1953 | 153 | 2,292 | 0.1295% |
| 1954 | 169 | 2,058 | 0.1126% |
| 1955 | 175 | 1,981 | 0.1077% |
| 1956 | 190 | 1,795 | 0.095% |
| 1957 | 203 | 1,679 | 0.0873% |
| 1958 | 192 | 1,762 | 0.0932% |
| 1959 | 198 | 1,783 | 0.0938% |
| 1960 | 211 | 1,602 | 0.0846% |
| 1961 | 216 | 1,536 | 0.0814% |
| 1962 | 236 | 1,327 | 0.0723% |
| 1963 | 245 | 1,275 | 0.071% |
| 1964 | 252 | 1,194 | 0.0678% |
| 1965 | 266 | 1,028 | 0.0629% |
| 1966 | 281 | 866 | 0.0555% |
| 1967 | 309 | 733 | 0.0483% |
| 1968 | 325 | 676 | 0.045% |
| 1969 | 333 | 689 | 0.0447% |
| 1970 | 351 | 677 | 0.0425% |
| 1971 | 381 | 559 | 0.0372% |
| 1972 | 415 | 429 | 0.0315% |
| 1973 | 416 | 431 | 0.0332% |
| 1974 | 444 | 387 | 0.0298% |
| 1975 | 464 | 360 | 0.028% |
| 1976 | 466 | 360 | 0.0279% |
| 1977 | 480 | 351 | 0.026% |
| 1978 | 525 | 306 | 0.0228% |
| 1979 | 560 | 283 | 0.0201% |
| 1980 | 519 | 331 | 0.0226% |
| 1981 | 497 | 367 | 0.025% |
| 1982 | 494 | 364 | 0.0244% |
| 1983 | 529 | 312 | 0.0211% |
| 1984 | 551 | 297 | 0.02% |
| 1985 | 567 | 299 | 0.0197% |
| 1986 | 565 | 308 | 0.0204% |
| 1987 | 561 | 310 | 0.0203% |
| 1988 | 597 | 287 | 0.0184% |
| 1989 | 617 | 297 | 0.0184% |
| 1990 | 684 | 263 | 0.0159% |
| 1991 | 659 | 286 | 0.0175% |
| 1992 | 634 | 316 | 0.0198% |
| 1993 | 639 | 307 | 0.0197% |
| 1994 | 688 | 256 | 0.0167% |
| 1995 | 695 | 256 | 0.017% |
| 1996 | 704 | 259 | 0.0173% |
| 1997 | 693 | 265 | 0.0179% |
| 1998 | 698 | 272 | 0.0182% |
| 1999 | 715 | 267 | 0.0178% |
| 2000 | 781 | 244 | 0.016% |
| 2001 | 798 | 243 | 0.0161% |
| 2002 | 751 | 272 | 0.0182% |
| 2003 | 834 | 241 | 0.0158% |
| 2004 | 932 | 208 | 0.0136% |
| 2005 | 832 | 256 | 0.0167% |
| 2006 | 1,036 | 193 | 0.0123% |
| 2007 | 1,105 | 177 | 0.0112% |
| 2008 | 1,041 | 193 | 0.0125% |
| 2009 | 1,153 | 156 | 0.0104% |
| 2010 | 1,075 | 167 | 0.0116% |
| 2011 | 1,180 | 137 | 0.0096% |
| 2012 | 1,264 | 116 | 0.0081% |
| 2013 | 1,224 | 123 | 0.0086% |
| 2014 | 1,280 | 109 | 0.0075% |
| 2015 | 1,206 | 129 | 0.0089% |
| 2016 | 1,410 | 88 | 0.0061% |
| 2017 | 1,228 | 112 | 0.008% |
| 2018 | 1,522 | 66 | 0.0048% |
| 2019 | 1,431 | 76 | 0.0056% |
| 2020 | 1,585 | 79 | 0.0062% |
| 2021 | 1,857 | 52 | 0.0043% |
| 2022 | 1,686 | 74 | 0.0056% |
| 2023 | 1,903 | 58 | 0.0045% |
The data shows Arlene’s peak popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. The name reached its highest rank in 1934, positioned at number 53, with 3,903 births, representing 0.4037% of all female births that year. While its popularity has declined since then, the name maintains a presence, showcasing its enduring appeal. In 2023, it ranked 1,903 with 58 births, accounting for 0.0045% of births.
Origin and Meaning:
While the provided content doesn’t explicitly state the origin and meaning of the name Arlene, based on broader knowledge, Arlene is generally considered to be of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname O’hAirlighe. It is also sometimes considered a variant of Arleen. The meaning is often interpreted as "pledge," "promise," or "oath," lending the name a sense of commitment and reliability. Other interpretations suggest a connection to the Old English word "aelf," meaning "elf," combined with "lene," resulting in a meaning of "graceful elf" or "pledge." This evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and magical charm.
Arlene can be said to be the lovely promise, a very fitting meaning to this name.
The Name in Pop Culture:
The name Arlene has also appeared in popular culture, further contributing to its recognition. The presence of the name in film, television, and literature helps keep it in the collective consciousness, even as its popularity in birth statistics fluctuates.
Names Like Arlene
If you admire Arlene, explore these similar names:
Variants of Arlene:
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arla | |||
| Arlan | Yes | ||
| Arlana | |||
| Arlean | |||
| Arleana | |||
| Arlee | Hare Meadow | English | |
| Arleen | Variant Spelling of Arlene "Lovely Promise" | ||
| Arleena | |||
| Arleene | |||
| Arlen | Yes | ||
| Arlena | Variant of Arlene "Lovely Promise" | ||
| Arleta | Decorative form of Arlene | ||
| Arletha | Excellence; Righteous | Greek | |
| Arletta | |||
| Arlette | Eagle | French | |
| Arleyne | |||
| Arlie | Yes | ||
| Arliene | |||
| Arlina | Variant spelling of Arlene | ||
| Arlinda | American | ||
| Arline | Modified spelling of Arlene "Lovely Promise" | ||
| Arluene | |||
| Arly | Yes | ||
| Arlyn | American | Yes | |
| Arlyne | |||
| Arlynn | |||
| Lena | Woman from Magdala | Hebrew | |
| Lene | Mild, Soft, Silky | Latin | |
| Lina | Palm Tree | Latin |
Names That Sound Like Arlene:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Arlenne | American | |
| Erlene | Noblewoman, Princess, Warrior, Countess | English |
| Orlene | French |
Data via SSA.gov.
In conclusion, the name Arlene, with its rich history and elegant sound, remains a charming choice. Its fluctuations in popularity offer a glimpse into changing naming trends, while its enduring presence suggests a timeless quality. Whether you are drawn to its vintage appeal or its lovely meaning, Arlene is a name with a unique story to tell.