The name Sharlene is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the French name Charlene, which is a feminine form of the male name Charles. The name Charles ultimately derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "peasant."

Sharlene first emerged as a distinct name in the early 20th century, likely as a variant spelling of Charlene. It gained popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century.

While the name does not have any direct historical or religious references, it shares its roots with the name Charles, which has a rich historical background. The name Charles was borne by several notable figures, including Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the first ruler of the Holy Roman Empire in the 9th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sharlene can be found in the 1920 United States Census, where a handful of individuals were listed with this name. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the name gained wider popularity.

Some notable individuals named Sharlene throughout history include:

1. Sharlene Woodards (born 1963), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Crooklyn" and "Wag the Dog."
2. Sharlene Zackhras (born 1968), a Canadian former basketball player who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games.
3. Sharlene Whyte (born 1976), a Jamaican sprinter who won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
4. Sharlene San Pedro (born 1981), an American singer and songwriter, best known as a member of the pop group No Secrets.
5. Sharlene Taule (born 1987), a Filipino actress and model who has appeared in several television series and films.

These individuals, spanning various fields such as acting, sports, music, and entertainment, have helped to popularize and preserve the name Sharlene throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.