Girl · 81st of 9,204
Arlene
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
143,241
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1934
Peak Popularity Year
3,930
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Arlene stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Arlene has its origins in Irish, derived from the diminutive form of 'Ail', meaning 'rock'. The name has evolved from Ailín to its current form, Arlene. It conveys strength and stability, with no direct biblical relevance. The name saw a rise in popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, and is associated with warmth and nostalgia.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ɑːrˈliːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Arlene is believed to have derived from the Irish name 'Ailín', which is a diminutive of 'Ail', meaning 'rock'. It may also be associated with the Gaelic word 'ailin', meaning 'little rock'.
Meaning
oath, promise; rock
Language Evolution
Ailín, Ail, Arlene
Historical Usage
The name Arlene gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in the United States, following its use in literature and film.
Variants & Derivatives
Arly, Arlynn, Arlena
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Arlene is perceived as a classic and somewhat vintage name, often associated with warmth and charm. It is less common today but still holds nostalgic value.
Famous People
Arlene Dahl, American actress, Arlene Foster, Northern Irish politician, Arlene Phillips, British choreographer and television personality
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,930 peak births in 1934
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4555th of 7545 | 43 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2083rd of 6773 | 231 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4028th of 7552 | 69 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13208th of 16616 | 13 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 162nd of 9107 | 25,622 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 81st of 9204 | 58,224 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 176th of 12526 | 38,274 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 390th of 19264 | 9,219 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 606th of 27321 | 5,553 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 951st of 35406 | 4,095 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1640th of 30306 | 1,606 |