Carlene

♀ Girl

Pronounced kar-LEEN /kɑrˈlin/High

Meaning: A feminine form of Carl/Charles — from the Germanic, 'a free man/woman'Low

In 30 seconds: A free woman: Carlene is a feminine of Carl. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'kar-LEEN').

Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA feminine form of Carl/Charles — from the Germanic, 'a free man/woman'

U.S. rank (2025)#15373 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1955

Total births (all-time)≈ 15,224

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Carlene is a feminine form of Carl/Charles — from the Germanic, 'a free man/woman'. A crisp, classic name (said 'kar-LEEN').

In the U.S. it peaked mid-century and is now retro-charming. A-free-woman at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Carl/Charles means 'a free man' in the Germanic — Carlene is a feminine form, crisp and classic (said 'kar-LEEN').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Carl — feminine form

CarleenCharleneCarline

Carly

Charlene— a kin Charl- girls' name

Carla— a fellow Carl- girls' name

Carly— a short form

Darlene— a sound-neighbor -lene girls' name

What does the name Carlene mean?

Carlene is a feminine of Carl/Charles — Germanic 'a free man/woman'.

How do you pronounce Carlene?

It's said kar-LEEN /kɑrˈlin/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Carlene a boy or girl name?

Carlene is a girl's name.

How popular is Carlene?

Carlene is a rare name today, retro.