Karlene
About Karlene
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.
Pronounced kar-LEEN.
As of October 2026, Karlene ranked #12733 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #786 in 1939.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Karlene on lists
Famous Karlenes
- Karlene Faith
Canadian feminist writer