Charlene is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the Occitan word "Charlar", which means "to chat" or "to talk". The name was traditionally used in southern France and Catalonia, but it has since become popular worldwide.
The name Charlene is believed to have originated as a variant spelling of the masculine name Charles, which is ultimately derived from the German name Carl, meaning "strong" or "free man". Over time, the feminine form Charlene evolved and gained popularity as an independent given name in its own right.
One notable historical figure with the name Charlene was Princess Charlène Wittstock, born in South Africa, who married Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2011. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily have any significant impact on the meaning or origin of the name itself.
In terms of popularity, Charlene peaked as a popular girls' name in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage. Despite its waning popularity, Charlene remains a classic and elegant choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
Overall, Charlene is a charming and distinctive feminine given name with a rich history and an interesting origin story that sets it apart from many other names of similar sound or meaning.
The data provided shows the annual number of births given the name Charlene in the United States from 1933 to 1990.
From the earliest year recorded, 1933, there were 6 births with the name Charlene. This number fluctuated over the years, with peaks and valleys. The highest number of births occurred in 1957 with 14 babies named Charlene. The lowest was in 1958 with only 5 births.
There seems to be no consistent pattern in the frequency of the name Charlene over these decades. Some years saw a significant increase in its popularity (for instance, from 6 births in 1933 to 14 in 1957), while other years showed a decrease (from 14 in 1957 to just 5 in the following year).
By the end of this period, in 1990, the popularity of the name Charlene had significantly decreased from its peak in 1957. Only 5 births were recorded that year.
Overall, over these 58 years, there were a total of 382 babies named Charlene born in the United States. This information provides insights into the changing trends and popularity of the name Charlene during this time period.