"God is gracious + feminine suffix"
Origin: Hebrew via American English
Language: English
Jolene
Pronunciation: [ j-ohl-EEN ]
Girl Name
#608 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
Dolly Parton's plea made this name immortal in song
American
English
Australian
Vintage
Playful
Literary
Warm
Meaning & Origin
"invented name: Jo + lene"
Origin: American English
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Dolly Parton's 1973 song about a woman begging another woman not to steal her man — some see this as a cautionary tale association
The Story of Jolene
Jolene is an invented American name created by combining the name element 'Jo' (short for Josephine or Joan, both ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious') with the popular feminine suffix '-lene' (from Greek 'helene' or simply as a melodious ending). The name was coined in mid-20th century America during a period of creative name invention using familiar elements.
Jolene was modestly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but Dolly Parton's 1973 song 'Jolene' made it one of the most recognizable name-in-a-title songs ever recorded. The song's 2021 revival through Lil Nas X's cover and TikTok trends brought a new generation in contact with the name, driving a renaissance in its use.
Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' is one of the most covered songs in history, with interpretations by Miley Cyrus, The White Stripes, Olivia Rodrigo, and hundreds of others. Parton claims she invented the name for a red-headed bank teller she found particularly beautiful. The song made the name iconic across country and pop music.
Fun Facts
- Dolly Parton wrote 'Jolene' in 1973 in just 30 minutes, inspired by a red-haired bank teller
- 'Jolene' has been covered by over 200 artists, making it one of the most covered country songs ever
- The song's opening four bars — 'Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Joleeeeene' — are among the most recognizable in American music
Jolene in Other Languages
French
Jolène
German
Jolene
English
Jolene
Spanish
Jolene
Famous People Named Jolene
J
Jolene Blalock
Actor
1975
American actress best known for playing T'Pol on Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)
J
Jolene (Dolly Parton song) Fictional
Musician
The subject of Dolly Parton's iconic 1973 song, pleaded with not to steal the narrator's man; one of the most famous nam...
The subject of Dolly Parton's iconic 1973 song, pleaded with not to steal the narrator's man; one of the most famous name-drop songs in music history
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #608
- Total SSA Count
- 493
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jo
Joey
Lee
Joley
Pairs Well With
Jolene Mae
Jolene Rose
Jolene Ann
Jolene Grace
Jolene Claire
Jolene Darlene
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Jolene is also used as a boy name, ranked #42706.
View Jolene as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jolene
What does the name Jolene mean?
"God is gracious + feminine suffix" (from Hebrew via American English). "invented name: Jo + lene" (from American English). Jolene is an invented American name created by combining the name element 'Jo' (short for Josephine or Joan, both ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious') with the popular feminine suffix '-lene' (from Greek 'helene' or simply as a melodious ending). The name was coined in mid-20th century America during a period of creative name invention using familiar elements.
What is the origin of the name Jolene?
Jolene has Hebrew via American English, American English, American, English, and Australian origins. In Hebrew via American English, it means "God is gracious + feminine suffix". In American English, it means "invented name: Jo + lene".
Is Jolene a boy or girl name?
Jolene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #608. As a boy name, it is ranked #42706. Jolene is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jolene?
Jolene is pronounced j-ohl-EEN.
How popular is the name Jolene?
Jolene is currently ranked #608 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jolene?
Common nicknames for Jolene include Jo, Joey, Lee, and Joley.
What are good middle names for Jolene?
Popular middle name pairings include Jolene Mae, Jolene Rose, Jolene Ann, Jolene Grace, Jolene Claire, and Jolene Darlene.
What are good sibling names for Jolene?
Names that pair well with Jolene as siblings include Dolly, Loretta, Emmylou, Willie, Waylon, and Merle.
How many syllables does Jolene have?
Jolene has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Jolene a common or rare name?
Jolene is moderately common, ranked #608 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Jolene
Jolene is a girl name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "God is gracious + feminine suffix" in Hebrew via American English .
Is Jolene a boy or girl name? Jolene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #608 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,706. Jolene is more commonly used as a girl name.
Jolene is currently ranked #608 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jolene has 3 syllables and is pronounced j-ohl-EEN, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Jolene include Jo, Joey, Lee, and Joley. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jolene include Jolee, Joleigh . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.