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Home › Baby Names Directory › Carlena

Carlena

♀ Girl

Pronounced kar-LEE-nuh /kɑrˈliː.nə/Medium

Meaning: Carlena is an elaboration of Carla or Carlene, feminine forms of Carl/Charles, from Germanic karl ('free man'). The -ena ending gives it a flowing, romance-language feel.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft elaboration of Carla: Carlena ties back to Carl, 'free man' (said 'kar-LEE-nuh'). A flowing, romantic-feeling girl's name.
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Origin LowEnglish, Latinate
MeaningCarlena is an elaboration of Carla or Carlene, feminine forms of Carl/Charles, from Germanic karl ('free man'). The -ena ending gives it a flowing, romance-language feel.
U.S. rank (2025)#11132 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1975
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,426

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197519102025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carlena is an elaboration of Carla or Carlene, the feminine forms of Carl and Charles, whose Germanic root karl means 'free man'. The added -ena ending lends a warm, romance-language lilt (said 'kar-LEE-nuh').

For girls in the U.S. it appears only rarely. Vintage-adjacent, flowing, and warm.

Did you know? Carlena stretches the classic Carla into three graceful beats — both trace back to Carl, meaning 'free man'. A lyrical spin said 'kar-LEE-nuh'.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Carlena — Elaboration of Carla/Carlene; feminine of Carl 'free man'

Variations

CarlinaCarleenaCarlene

Nicknames

CarlyLenaLena-Bee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Carlena…

Carla— the base name Carlena elaborates
Marlena— a like flowing -lena name
Selena— a similar romantic -ena sound
Carlene— a close feminine-of-Carl cousin

Explore names like Carlena

By themevintageflowingfeminineelaboration

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Carlena mean?

Carlena is an elaboration of Carla/Carlene, feminine forms of Carl ('free man').

How do you pronounce Carlena?

It's said kar-LEE-nuh /kɑrˈliː.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Carlena a boy or girl name?

Carlena is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Carlena?

Carlena is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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