Jolene is a beautiful name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a feminine name that originated in the United States and has French roots. The name is a combination of the names Jo and Eileen, and it means “pretty.”
Jolene gained popularity after the release of Dolly Parton’s hit song in 1973. The name has since been used by many parents who love the name’s sound and meaning. If you are considering naming your baby girl Jolene, you may want to know more about the name’s origin, meaning, and popularity. In this article, we will explore the history of the name Jolene and what it means. We will also look at the popularity of the name and some similar names that you may like.
Origins of the Name Jolene
Jolene is a modern invented name that combines the shortened feminine version of the name Joseph, which means “God will increase,” with the popular suffix “-lene.” The name was created in the early 20th century and received a boost in popularity after the release of Dolly Parton’s 1973 song “Jolene.”
The name Jolene is pronounced jo-LEEN, with the emphasis on the second syllable. It can also be spelled as Joleen or Joline, and the diminutive form of the name is Jojo.
The name Jolene has French origins, and for French speakers, Jolene is an expanded version of the word jolie, which means “pretty.” In French, the name Jolene is pronounced zhoh-LAYN.
Jolene is a combination of two names, Jo and Lene. Jo is a short form of the name Joseph, and Lene is a suffix that is commonly used in names. Other variations of the name include Jolin, Jolyne, Joelene, Jolynn, and Jolleen.
Overall, Jolene is a unique and modern name that has gained popularity over the years. It is often associated with the Dolly Parton song, but it has a rich history and meaning beyond that.
Popularity Over Time
Jolene is a popular name for baby girls in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, Jolene was most popular in the 1970s, peaking in 1973 at 547th place. It has since declined in popularity, but remains a well-known name.
Here are some statistics on Jolene’s popularity over time:
- In the 20th century, Jolene was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Jolene was ranked as the 906th most popular baby name for girls in 2021.
- Jolene has been rising in popularity in recent years, re-entering the charts in 2010 and continuing to climb.
- Jolene is more popular in some states than others. In 2020, it was most popular in West Virginia, followed by Kentucky and Tennessee.
Overall, Jolene remains a well-liked name for baby girls, with a long history of popularity in the United States. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, it remains a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic yet unique name for their daughter.
Jolene in Pop Culture
Jolene is a name that has found its way into popular culture through various mediums such as music, film, and television. The most famous reference to the name is undoubtedly Dolly Parton’s hit song “Jolene,” which was released in 1973. The song tells the story of a woman pleading with Jolene not to take her man away. It has since become a country music classic and has been covered by various artists.
The name Jolene has also appeared in other songs, such as “Jolene” by The White Stripes and “Jolene” by Miley Cyrus. In both songs, the name is used to evoke a sense of longing and desire. The White Stripes’ version is a rock cover of Dolly Parton’s original, while Miley Cyrus’s version is a more pop-oriented take on the song.
Jolene has also made appearances in film and television. In the anime series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, one of the main characters is named Jolyne Cujoh, which is pronounced similarly to Jolene. The character is named after Jolyne Kujo, a character from an earlier part of the series, and her name is a nod to Dolly Parton’s song.
Overall, Jolene has become a name that is synonymous with longing, desire, and heartbreak in popular culture. Its appearances in music, film, and television have cemented its place in the zeitgeist and have made it a name that is instantly recognizable to many.
Famous People Named Jolene
Jolene is a unique name that has been given to many famous people. Here are some of the most notable ones:
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Jolene Anderson: An Australian actress, best known for her roles in the television series “All Saints” and “The Heart Guy.” Anderson has also appeared in several films, including “Prey” and “Body Melt.”
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Jolene Blalock: An American actress, best known for her role as T’Pol on the television series “Star Trek: Enterprise.” Blalock has also appeared in several films, including “Slow Burn” and “Shadow Puppets.”
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Jolene Brand: An American singer-songwriter, best known for her hit song “He’d Never Seen Julie Cry.” Brand has also released several albums, including “Jolene Brand” and “The Best of Jolene Brand.”
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Jolene Purdy: An American actress, best known for her roles in the television series “Under the Dome” and “Orange Is the New Black.” Purdy has also appeared in several films, including “Donnie Darko” and “Benjamin Troubles.”
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Jolene Unsoeld: An American politician, best known for her work as a member of the United States House of Representatives. Unsoeld also served as the director of the Peace Corps and as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives.
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Jolene Van Vugt: A Canadian stunt performer, best known for her work as a motocross rider and for her appearances on the television series “Nitro Circus.” Van Vugt has also worked as a stunt coordinator and has performed stunts in several films, including “The Dark Knight.”
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Jolene Marie Cholock-Rotinsulu: An Indonesian beauty queen, best known for winning the title of Puteri Indonesia 2018. Cholock-Rotinsulu has also represented Indonesia in several international beauty pageants, including Miss Universe 2018.
These are just a few of the many famous people named Jolene. Each of these individuals has made a significant impact in their respective fields and continues to inspire others with their work.
Variations and Similar Names
Jolene has several variations and similar names, including:
- Lena: Lena is a shorter version of Jolene and means “light” or “bright.”
- Joseph: Joseph is a masculine name that means “God will increase.” It is a popular name in many cultures and has variations in different languages.
- Josephine: Josephine is the feminine version of Joseph and means “God will increase.” It is a classic name that has been popular for centuries.
- Johanna: Johanna is a feminine name that means “God is gracious.” It is a popular name in many European countries and has variations in different languages.
- Modern variations: Modern variations of Jolene include Jolynn, Jolena, and Jolenee. These variations give the name a more contemporary feel.
- Similar girl’s names: Similar girl’s names to Jolene include Violet, Julianne, and Joelle. These names have a similar sound or meaning to Jolene.
- Similar boy’s names: Similar boy’s names to Jolene include Liam, Jalen, and Julian. These names have a similar sound or meaning to Jolene.
- Jalena and Jelena: Jalena and Jelena are variations of Jolene that have a different spelling but a similar sound. Jalena is a combination of Jolene and Elena, while Jelena is a Slavic name that means “shining light.”
- Ray LaMontagne: Ray LaMontagne is an American singer-songwriter who wrote a popular song called “Jolene” in 2004. The song is not related to the Dolly Parton song of the same name but has contributed to the name’s popularity in recent years.
Overall, Jolene has many variations and similar names that give parents a variety of options when choosing a name for their child. Whether you prefer a classic or modern name, there is a variation of Jolene that will suit your taste.
Meaning and Symbolism
Jolene is a feminine given name that has various meanings and symbolism. The name is commonly shortened as Jolie, which means “pretty” in French. It is believed that the name Jolene was derived from the French name Jolie, which was introduced to the United States in the 19th century.
One of the most popular meanings of the name Jolene is “pretty.” This meaning is in line with the French origin of the name, which means “pretty” or “beautiful.” The name Jolene is often associated with beauty and youthfulness, making it a popular choice for baby girls.
Another meaning of the name Jolene is “God will increase.” This meaning is derived from the Hebrew name Yael, which has a similar pronunciation to Jolene. Yael means “mountain goat” and is often associated with independence and uniqueness.
The name Jolene also has various symbolic meanings. It is often associated with inspiration and creativity, as it was the inspiration behind Dolly Parton’s hit song “Jolene.” The song tells the story of a woman who is trying to steal the singer’s man, and has become a symbol of female empowerment and strength.
Overall, the name Jolene has a rich history and various meanings and symbolism. It is a beautiful and unique name that is perfect for parents looking for a name that is both pretty and meaningful.
Jolene in Literature and Media
Jolene has been a popular name in literature and media for many years. Here are a few examples of Jolene’s appearances in various forms of media:
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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Jolene Cujoh is the protagonist of the sixth part of the manga series, “Stone Ocean.” She is the daughter of Jotaro Kujo, the protagonist of the third part, “Stardust Crusaders.” Jolene is a strong-willed and determined character who fights against various enemies with her Stand, Stone Free.
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Drama Film: In the 2008 drama film “Jolene,” the eponymous character is played by Jessica Chastain. The film follows Jolene as she navigates her way through a series of difficult relationships and experiences, including a marriage to an abusive older man.
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Family: Jolene is also a popular name for baby girls. According to Nameberry, Jolene reentered the charts in 2010 and has been rising in recent years. The name Jolene means “pretty” and is of French origin.
Overall, Jolene has made a significant impact in literature and media, and continues to be a popular name for baby girls.