Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Arlene

      Origin 
      American

      Meaning 
      From Marlene or Charlene

      Variations 
      Darlene, Earlene, Harlene

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Arlene, derived from American origins, holds a significant meaning intertwined with two prominent names - Marlene and Charlene. The name Arlene is thought to have emerged in the United States as a blending of the names Marlene and Charlene, incorporating their distinct sounds and attributes. Marlene, originally derived from the name Marlene Dietrich, a German actress and singer, gained popularity in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. Similarly, Charlene, stemming from the more ancient name Charles, bearing a meaning related to strength and vigor, had a notable presence in American culture.

      Throughout history, the name Arlene has manifested in both popular culture and everyday usage. During the mid-20th century, Arlene experienced a surge in popularity in the United States due to a combination of its unique sound and connection to the popular names Marlene and Charlene. The name became particularly prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s and gradually remained in use over the following decades. However, its prevalence has been declining in recent years, with modern parents opting for more contemporary or original names. Despite this decrease, Arlene still maintains a place in history, reminding us of the influence of Marlene Dietrich and Charlene's origins in the name's creation.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Arlene.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Arlene.

      Robert

      is the most common spouse name for Arlene.

      John

      is the most common child name for Arlene.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1927 is when there were the most people born with the first name Arlene.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.