Etymology: Erlene is believed to be a variant or elaboration of names like Eileen or Maureen, which derive from the Irish 'Éilís' meaning 'God is my oath', but it may also be influenced by the element 'erl' or associated with 'alraun', an old Germanic word for 'noble'. Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage blending sounds from names like Eleanor or Irene, both connected to light.