Arlene

Meaning and origin of Arlene

Arlene is often said to mean “modern coinage; origin uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.

Arlene is a modern English name, and its origin is uncertain. It seems to have developed in the nineteenth or early twentieth century, perhaps influenced by Arline, the heroine of Michael Balfe's opera The Bohemian Girl, and by the -ene ending found in names like Darlene and Charlene. Some people connect it to Irish or Celtic roots, but these links are not established. Arlene became common in the United States in the middle of the twentieth century. Pronounced ahr-LEEN, it has a warm, vintage sound. Arly and Lena are nicknames. Arlene suits parents who like mid-century names.

Other spellings with the same sound: Arleen.

Gender, sound and spelling

In the US it is used almost only for girls.

Arlene is usually pronounced ahr-LEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Arleen.