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Jolene

♀ Girl

Pronounced joh-LEEN /dʒoʊˈliːn/High

Meaning: American elaboration of Josephine or a combination of Jo and the popular -lene or -leen suffix; the Jo element traces back to Hebrew Yochanan (God is gracious) via JosephineMedium

In 30 seconds: An American mid-century creation combining Jo and the -lene suffix, Jolene is inextricably linked to Dolly Parton's 1973 country classic — a name that is both a song and a cultural touchstone.
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Origin MediumAmerican, Hebrew
MeaningAmerican elaboration of Josephine or a combination of Jo and the popular -lene or -leen suffix; the Jo element traces back to Hebrew Yochanan (God is gracious) via Josephine
U.S. rank (2025)#666 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births423 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 36,220

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197419182025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jolene is an American name that emerged in the mid-20th century, likely built on the familiar Jo element (short for Josephine, from Hebrew) combined with the then-popular -lene or -leen suffix (as in Charlene, Pauline, Aileen). The construction reflects the American mid-century fondness for building new feminine names by combining existing elements.

Jolene was in modest use before Dolly Parton's 1973 recording made it iconic. The song's emotional directness and the unusual nature of addressing a rival by name gave Jolene a warm, narrative character. Today the name is strongly associated with Parton's song and carries a distinctly Appalachian, country-music romance. It has been gradually reviving in the 21st century as vintage Americana names return to fashion.

Did you know? Dolly Parton wrote and recorded Jolene in 1973, reportedly inspired by a red-haired bank teller who had been flirting with her husband. The song became one of the best-known country songs ever recorded and has been covered hundreds of times.
Overall data confidence 77%
Behind the Name — Jolene — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

JoleenJolleen

Nicknames

JoJojo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jolene…

Charlene— shares the same -lene suffix and the same mid-century American feminine construction
Darlene— fellow mid-century -lene name with the same Americana warmth and vintage appeal
Pauline— shares the same -ine/-lene ending tradition and the same gentle mid-century feel
Arlene— another -lene name from the same American mid-century naming wave

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jolene mean?

Jolene is an American creation, likely from Jo (from Josephine, Hebrew for God is gracious) plus the -lene suffix. It carries a warm, gracious meaning.

How do you pronounce Jolene?

It is said joh-LEEN /dʒoʊˈliːn/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Jolene a popular name?

Jolene was modestly popular in mid-20th century America and is now reviving as a vintage Americana name, boosted by Dolly Parton's enduring song.

Did Dolly Parton make the name Jolene famous?

Yes — Dolly Parton's 1973 hit Jolene became one of the most covered songs ever, making this name a global cultural touchstone.