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.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Carlene has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States.
Starting from 1895 with just 5 births, the number of babies named Carlene grew steadily until it peaked in 1934 with 256 births. This trend continued into the early 1940s, with a total of 321 births in 1941 being the highest recorded during this period.
However, from the mid-1940s onwards, there was a notable decline in the number of babies named Carlene. The figure dropped to 257 in 1945 and continued to fall until it reached its lowest point in recent years, with only 7 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this decline, Carlene remains a name with a rich history and a notable past popularity. It has been given to over 15,200 babies in the United States since 1895, indicating that it has been a cherished choice for parents across generations.
While the current popularity of the name Carlene may not be as high as it once was, its historical significance and the unique stories behind each baby born with this name make it a fascinating subject to study.