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Arlene

Girl name · 1,035 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Arlene: 1,035 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 87 births in 1974.

Arlene likely emerged as a modern variant of the Irish and Scottish name Eileen, which itself derives from the Norman French Aveline or the Greek Helenē, meaning ‘torch’ or ‘light.’ It gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the early 20th century. Notable bearers include Arlene Francis, the pioneering American television personality and actress, and Arlene Dahl, the Hollywood star of the 1950s. In Scotland, the name enjoyed a peak in the 1960s and 1970s, though it has since declined in usage. A softer alternative to Eileen, Arlene also shares roots with the Irish name Ailín, meaning ‘handsome’ or