Arlene is an early-20th-century American name — possibly the feminine of Arlen (Irish, "pledge, oath") or a variant of Charlene / Marlene. **A top-50 US baby name from 1930 to 1948, peaking at #34 in 1936**. **Arlene Francis (1907-2001)** — **American actress and TV personality; the longest-serving panelist on CBS's *What's My Line?* (1950-1967), appearing for the entire 17-year run of the original network series — one of the most-watched game shows in American television history; instantly recognizable for the heart-shaped diamond necklace she wore on every broadcast**; pioneered women's presence on early American television. **Arlene Dahl (1925-2021)** — American actress and businesswoman; *Journey to the Center of the Earth* (1959); MGM glamour star of the 1950s; mother of actor Lorenzo Lamas. **Arlene Phillips (born 1943)** — British choreographer; founder of the dance troupe Hot Gossip; judge on *Strictly Come Dancing*; Dame Commander (2021). **Arlene Foster (born 1970)** — former First Minister of Northern Ireland (2016-2021); first woman to lead the Democratic Unionist Party. **"Good Night, My Someone"** and the name's vintage warmth make it a revival candidate alongside Marlene and Darlene.
Featured throughout early American television and 20th-century culture.
Arlene reduces to six — the number of What's My Line?