Sharlene

female

Origin

The name Sharlene is a modern American-influenced variant of Sharline, itself derived from the French name Charlotte, which is the feminine diminutive of Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'freeholder'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly in Australia from the 1950s onwards, reflecting the trend towards softer, diminutive forms of traditional names. Although not rooted in Aboriginal or Māori languages, its usage in Australia has become widespread among diverse communities.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'free man' (from Charles), but in the Australian context, Sharlene is often associated with qualities of friendliness, femininity, and approachability. No direct cultural nuance beyond this popularity as a contemporary feminine name.

Pronunciation

/ʃɑːrˈliːn/ (IPA), pronounced as 'shar-LEEN' in Australian English, with emphasis on the second syllable.','geography':'Most common in urban and suburban areas across Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where naming trends tend to favour softer, more modern European-origin names.' ,

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Charlotte
  • Charline
  • Sharline

Nicknames

  • Shari
  • Lene

Name Days

  • None widely observed in Australian calendar traditions. In Christian contexts, Saint Charlotte of Caen's feast day is 6 July, which may be acknowledged in some Christian communities.
  • No specific Aboriginal or M01ori cultural events associated with this name.
  • Some informal celebrations or personal anniversaries may be observed, but these are not standardised.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with sharlene:

  • Charlotte and Emily
  • Sophie and Lily
  • Emma and Olivia

Fun Facts

  • While Sharlene is a relatively modern name, its root Charlotte has royal associations, being the name of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
  • The name gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, partly influenced by Australian pop culture and media.
  • Sharlene is sometimes used as a surname in English-speaking countries, though less common.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name sharlene:

  • Friendly
  • Approachable
  • Feminine
  • Modern
  • Versatile

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a soft and fluid visual quality, with curves that appeal in typography and logo design in Australian branding—often used in creative and fashion industries.

Geographical Distribution

Most prevalent in southeastern Australia, especially in Victoria and New South Wales, reflecting urban naming preferences. Less common in rural or Indigenous communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual growth, and analytical abilities, which may influence personality perceptions in numerology traditions.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrology associations, but the number 7 influences contemplative and introspective traits in astrological numerology contexts, with a favourable outlook for those born under water signs.

Historical Context

The name is a modern variant inspired by traditional European names, particularly popular in Western Australia and urban centres, often associated with the post-war baby boomer generation. Although not connected to any iconic figures, the name has been borne by several Australian entertainers and athletes.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across common European languages, with similar variants in French ('Charlene') and Spanish ('Carlina'). It is spelled and pronounced consistently in English contexts.

Famous People Named sharlene

  • Sharlene Taulealeava (Australian netball player)
  • Sharlene Hawkes (media personality)
  • Sharlene Spiteri (Scottish singer, popular in Australia)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 1