Karlene

Feminine diminutive of Carl

"free man"

Karlene Origin and Meaning

The name Karlene is a girl's name.

Karlene is a feminine name derived from the Germanic male name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' It emerged as a feminine variant in the mid-20th century, particularly gaining traction in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. The name combines the strength of its masculine root with a distinctly feminine ending. Karlene peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. Variations include Charlene, Karleen, and Carleen. The name is appreciated for its strong sound while maintaining femininity. While not among the most popular names today, Karlene continues to appeal to parents looking for a name with both character and historical roots.

Karlene Rank in US Top 1000

# 996 in the US

Famous People Named Karlene

• Karlene Faith Canadian feminist writer