Arlene is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Ruine," which means "descendant of Ruadh," where Ruadh signifies red or reddish. The name Arlene, therefore, has historical roots tracing back to Ireland.
The first known usage of the name Arlene as a given name can be found in the United States during the late 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the name began to gain popularity and became more widely used. Today, Arlene remains a less common but still recognizable name, often associated with individuals born between the 1930s and 1960s.
While Arlene does not have any specific myths or legends attached to it, its Irish origins lend an air of ancient history and tradition to this name. Those named Arlene may feel a connection to their Irish heritage or appreciate the unique sound and spelling of their name.
In terms of popular culture, there are a few notable individuals named Arlene who have contributed to its recognition. For instance, American actress Arlene Dahl gained fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood, while British singer-songwriter Arlen Richards, known professionally as Arlen, has made a significant impact on the music industry.
Overall, the name Arlene is an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and historically rich given name with Irish roots. Its unique spelling and pronunciation make it memorable, while its meaning adds depth to this beautiful name.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Arlene in the United States from 1916 to 2016, we can observe a few trends:
* The name Arlene was most popular during the late 1930s and early 1940s. In fact, it reached its peak popularity in 1937 with 23 births that year.
* After reaching its peak popularity, the number of births with the name Arlene began to decline steadily. By the end of the 1960s, there were fewer than ten births per year with this name.
* Despite its declining popularity over time, the name Arlene has had a resurgence in recent years. There were seven births with this name in both 1989 and 2016.
Overall, while the name Arlene may not be as popular today as it was during its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for something special for their baby girl.