Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Karlene

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Feminine Form of Charles

      Variations

      Darlene, Earlene, Harlene
      The name Karlene is of English origin and is a feminine form of the name Charles, which itself is derived from the Germanic name Karl. The name Charles means free man, and as a derivative, Karlene carries a similar connotation associated with freedom and strength. The adaptation of Charles into its feminine counterpart reflects a broader trend in naming conventions, where traditionally male names have been feminized to create unique identities for women.

      Historically, the name Karlene began to see usage in the early to mid-20th century, coinciding with a general rise in the popularity of names that emphasized feminine strength and individuality. It can be linked to cultural shifts in the perception of women's roles in society, parallel to movements advocating for gender equality. While it has not been as widely used as some other more common variations of Charles, Karlene has remained a recognizable name in various English-speaking countries.

      In contemporary society, Karlene is less common than many traditional names but still holds a place in the modern naming landscape. It is often chosen for its uniqueness and the strength it conveys. While it may not be among the top-ranked names in baby name registries, those who bear the name often appreciate its distinctiveness and connection to the historical legacy of Charles. Additionally, the name has appeared in various pop culture references, further contributing to its recognition today.

      Based on our records...

      Anderson

      Anderson

      This is the most common surname associated with Karlene.
      Robert

      Robert

      This is the most common name of those married to a Karlene.
      Alice

      Alice

      This is the most common name for a child of a Karlene.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1939 is when there were the most people born with the first name Karlene.

      Explore the origins of another name.