Scharlene

Scharlene is a feminine name that represents an elaborate spelling variant of Charlene, which itself derives from the masculine Charles (meaning 'free man' or 'manly' from Germanic origins). The distinctive 'Sch-' beginning likely reflects German phonetic influence, where 'sch' produces the 'sh' sound found in the standard pronunciation of Charlene. This spelling variation creates a more visually distinctive name while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Scharlene emerged in the mid-20th century when alternative spellings gained popularity but remains quite rare. The name carries the same elegant, somewhat vintage feel as Charlene, popular in the 1940s-1950s, but with an added layer of uniqueness. For parents attracted to midcentury names but seeking something more distinctive, Scharlene offers classical feminine charm with an unexpected spelling twist.

Pronounced shar-LEEN.

As of October 2026, Scharlene ranked #7324 in US births in 1965 SSA, peaked at #2911 in 1937.