Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Jolene
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern blend of Jo and -lene”
- Meaning
- modern blend of Jo and -lene
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- joh-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #666
- US babies 2025
- 423
- Best rank
- #245 (1974)
- Peak year
- 1974
Meaning and origin of Jolene
Jolene is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern blend of Jo and -lene”.
Jolene is an American name created in the twentieth century by combining Jo, the short form of Josephine or Joanna, with the popular ending -lene, found in names like Marlene and Darlene. Its fame comes above all from Dolly Parton's song "Jolene," in which the singer pleads with a beautiful rival. The song made the name instantly recognizable and gave it a nostalgic country feel. Jolene is warm and a little retro, with a clear, musical sound. Jo and Jojo are easy nicknames, and the spelling Joleen also appears.
Popularity over time
Jolene first appears in US Social Security records in 1918. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years, starting in 1928. Its best national rank was #245 in 1974, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,053 babies. In 2025, 423 babies were named Jolene, and it ranked #666 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,461 in 1920, #431 in 1950, #337 in 1980, #1,294 in 2000, #970 in 2010, and #666 in 2025. Of the 36,224 US girls named Jolene since records began, 17% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 5,293 babies. Since 2010, 7,968 more have been named Jolene.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nakia, Christi, Jenifer, Kenya, and Latonya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jolene ranked highest in West Virginia, Washington, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #217 | 8 |
| Washington | #375 | 19 |
| Oregon | #411 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #474 | 22 |
| Ohio | #476 | 23 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Jolene is usually pronounced joh-LEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Jolene
A few middle names that flow with Jolene: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jolene
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Lists that include Jolene
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jolene mean?
Jolene is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern blend of Jo and -lene”.
What is the origin of the name Jolene?
Jolene has modern American roots. Jolene is an American name created in the twentieth century by combining Jo, the short form of Josephine or Joanna, with the popular ending -lene, found in names like Marlene and Darlene.
Is Jolene a popular name?
Yes. Jolene ranked #666 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jolene a boy or girl name?
Jolene is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Jolene?
Jolene is usually pronounced joh-LEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings