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Charlene

Pronunciation: shahr-LEEN (key)

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Origin of the name Charlene:

A 20th century coinage used as a feminine form of Charles (full-grown, a man, a freeman): hence, "a woman." Var: Charlayne, Cherlene, Cherline, Sharlayne, Sharleen, Sharlene. Pet: Charli, Charlie.

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Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Charlene!

Comments and insights on the name Charlene: | Edit

According to the baby name book "Cool Names" by Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz, the name Charlene is 'uncool', compared to the name Charlotte, which is 'cool', and the name Chiara, which is 'cooler'.

Personal experiences with the name Charlene: | Edit

My mom named me Charlene after my father and her name (Christopher and Marlene). I grew up hating my name and complaining that only old women had my name. Later in life, I appreciated that I didn't have a common name and that mine stood out. I grew to love it :)

Nicknames for Charlene: | Edit

Charlie
Char

Meanings and history of the name Charlene: | Edit

Feminine form of Charles, meaning "womanly"

Famous real-life people named Charlene: | Edit

Charlene Tilton, American actress best known for playing Lucy Ewing on the 1980s TV series "Dallas"
Charlene Barshefsky, United States Trade Representative from 1997-2001
Charlene Wittstock, South African swimmer and girlfriend of Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Charlene Drew Jarvis, American educator, researcher and politician
Charlene P. Kammerer, Methodist bishop
Charlene Teters, Native American artist, educator, and lecturer
Charlene Spretnak, American spiritual author, academic and feminist

Charlene in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Charlene (I'm Right Behind You)", song by Stephen and the Colberts
Charlene Frazier Stillfield, character in the television series "Designing Women", played by Jean Smart
Charlene Robinson, character in the Australian soap opera "Neighbours", played by Kylie Minogue
Charlene Turner, from the Kingdom Keeper series by Ridley Pearson

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