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Sharlene

Girl name · 252 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Sharlene: 252 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 25 births in 1987.

Deriving from the French feminine form of Charles, Sharlene means "free woman" or "little woman." It emerged in the English-speaking world as a modern elaboration of Charlotte, sharing roots with the Old High German *karl* meaning "man" or "free man." While not a greatly common name in Scotland, it gained modest traction throughout the late 20th century. One notable bearer is the Canadian singer Sharlene Mawdsley, though the name is perhaps best known internationally through the American actress Sharlene Holt (later known as Shari). There is also a recorded Sharlene in the Bible’s Song of Solomon—though this is actually a misinterpretation of the place name "Sharon." A melodic variant, Sherlene, occasionally appears in Scottish records.