Jolena
Meaning of Jolena
Jolena (pronounced /dʒoʊˈliːnə/) is a modern English feminine formation that combines the Hebrew-root name Joel—meaning “YHWH is God”—with the suffix –ena, akin to constructions such as Marlena and Selena. Phonologically, it features a three-syllable, iambic stress pattern that contributes to its balanced, easily articulated cadence. Onomastically, Jolena has remained relatively rare in the United States, ranking 939th in 2024 with just 11 recorded births, its use fluctuating between the 700s and 960s since the 1950s. A modest surge in the mid-1970s corresponds with the cultural impact of Dolly Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene,” to which the name is often linked, lending it a subtle pop-cultural resonance alongside its solid biblical provenance.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as joh-LEE-nuh (/dʒoʊˈli:nə/)
American English
- Pronunced as joh-LEE-nuh (/dʒoʊˈliːnə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
