Arlene
Arlene is one of those names that appears in the early 20th century without a clear etymology. It may be a blend of "Arlie" (a place name) and the "-ene" suffix popular at the time, or it may derive from Marlene (itself from Magdalene). The name has no deep historical roots, which is true of many names coined in the 1890s-1920s. Arlene was most popular in the 1930s and 1940s, peaking at #79 in 1934. Arlene Francis, the actress and panelist on the game show "What's My Line?", was the most visible mid-century bearer. The name has a working-class mid-century quality that has kept it out of the vintage revival — it does not have the elegant silhouette of Eleanor or the literary associations of Alice. What I notice about Arlene is the "rl" consonant cluster in the middle, which gives it a slight awkwardness. It is not a beautiful name phonetically. But it has a kind of stubborn Americanness — it sounds like someone who works hard and tells the truth. That has its own appeal. Arlene is a female name of English (invented) origin that means "Unknown (likely from Marlene or Charlene)". Straightforward, hard-working, and unpretentious. The name sounds American mid-century. Arlenes tend to be practical. US peaked #79 in 1934. Outside top 1000 since 1994. Well-known people named Arlene include Arlene Francis (TV personality), Arlene Dahl (actress), Arlene Dickinson (entrepreneur). Common variations and related forms of Arlene include Arlene (English), Arlina (elaboration), Arlie (short form), Marlene (related).