The nameCharlene

Charlene is a feminine of Charles. It was a top 100 American name in 1949.

Meaning

Charlene comes from Charles, from the Germanic karl, "free man".

Origin

Germanic, through English.

History

In the United States Charlene reached 100th place in 1949. Princess Charlene of Monaco is a famous bearer.

Charlene in other languages

Charlène is the French spelling of Charlene, an English creation of the early 20th century from Charles.

Famous people named Charlene

Popularity of the name Charlene

Charlene in the United States

1758thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
1952peak year (3,557 births)
134,011babies named Charlene in the United States since 1880
01,7793,557 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Charlene was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 32,798 births over the decade, 24% of all recorded babies named Charlene. Its rise began around 1923, and it peaked in 1952. Half of all babies named Charlene in the United States were born before 1955, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 112 births a year on average, against 134 in the five years before.

Charlene in the United Kingdom

2482ndmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
1997peak year (90 births)
793babies named Charlene in the United Kingdom since 1997
04590 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Charlene was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 369 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Charlene. Half of all babies named Charlene in the United Kingdom were born before 2003.

Charlene in Ireland

1988peak year (136 births)
1,100babies named Charlene in Ireland since 1964
068136 198020002020
Births per year in Ireland. Source: Central Statistics Office, names given at least 3 times a year.

Charlene in France

1397thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
1990peak year (2,195 births)
32,780babies named Charlene in France since 1900
01,0982,195 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Charlene

Names from the same generation as Charlene, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Charlene? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Charlene with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Charlene side by side with the name of your choice.

Charlene in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Charlene mean?

Charlene comes from Charles, from the Germanic karl, "free man".

What is the origin of the name Charlene?

Germanic, through English.

Is Charlene a girl's or a boy's name?

Charlene is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Charlene?

In 2024, Charlene was the 1758th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 115 births.

What are the variants of the name Charlene?

Variants and related names of Charlene include Charles.

What are good sibling names for Charlene?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Constance, Nadine, Linda and Daria for a sister, Guy, Fredrick, Bernard and Ervin for a brother.

Who are famous people named Charlene?

Princess Charlene of Monaco; Charlene Tilton, actress.