The Meaning of the Name Arlene
Arlene is a feminine given name derived from the Scottish Gaelic Aibhilin, which means “pledge” or “oath.” It is also thought to be a combination of the names Arlen and Eileen, both of which have similar meanings. The name Arlene has been popular in the United States since the early 20th century, and it remains a popular choice for parents today.
History and Origin
The name Arlene has its roots in Scotland, where it was first used as a given name in the late 19th century. It is believed to be derived from the Scottish Gaelic Aibhilin, which means “pledge” or “oath.” It is also thought to be a combination of the names Arlen and Eileen, both of which have similar meanings. The name Arlene has been popular in the United States since the early 20th century, and it remains a popular choice for parents today.
Popularity
Arlene has been a popular name in the United States since at least 1900. According to Social Security Administration data, it was among the top 500 most popular baby girl names from 1900 to 1960. In recent years, however, its popularity has declined somewhat; it was ranked #845 in 2019. Despite this decline, Arlene remains a beloved classic name that many parents still choose for their daughters.
Famous People Named Arlene
There are many famous people who bear the name Arlene, including:
- Actress Arlene Dahl (1925-2020)
- Singer Arlene Smith (1930-2016)
- Actress Arlene Francis (1907-2001)
- Actress Arlene Golonka (1936-2019)
- Actress Arlene Martel (1935-2014)
Variations of the Name
The name Arlene can also be spelled as Arleen or Arlyne. There are also several variations of the name that have different origins and meanings, such as:
- Arelene (Hebrew): Joyful song
- Aurelia (Latin): Golden one
- Earlene (English): Noblewoman
- Erlina (Spanish): Peaceful ruler
These variations can provide parents with additional options when choosing a name for their daughter.
