Jolene

Jolene is a modern English-language formation combining Jo with the ending lene. Jo can connect it with names such as Joanne or Josephine, but those names have different roots. Jolene therefore does not have one securely inherited translation such as “the Lord is God.” A family's intended connection may explain its meaning more accurately than a fixed dictionary gloss.

Dolly Parton's song Jolene gives the name an unmistakable musical association. That connection can be appealing or simply part of the background of a name chosen for other reasons. Joleen and Joline are spelling alternatives, while Jo offers a compact short form. Its recognizable sound comes from the combination of familiar name pieces, not from a single ancient source word.