Marilee
Marilee is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Wished-for child or beloved, combined with clearing or meadow.
Origin and history
Marilee is an English compound name created by combining Mary, derived from the Hebrew Miryam, with Lee, from an Old English word for a meadow or clearing. It became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century as a charming rhythmic variation of traditional names. Today, it remains an uncommon and gentle choice with steady historical usage.
Popularity in the United States
7,434 babies in the United States have been named Marilee since 1880. It ranks #1944 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2034.
States where it is most popular
- CA (19 %)
- IL (13.1 %)
- WA (7.5 %)
- MI (6.4 %)
- NY (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 72 |
| 1920-1930 | 409 |
| 1930-1940 | 886 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,684 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,818 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,095 |
| 1970-1980 | 459 |
| 1980-1990 | 380 |
| 1990-2000 | 228 |
| 2000-2010 | 192 |
| 2010-2019 | 144 |
| 2020-2029 | 67 |
Famous people named Marilee
- Marilee Stepanek: Author, Advocate
Nicknames
Mari, Mary, Lee, Leigh
Fun facts
- Marilee gained traction in the United States alongside mid-20th-century compound name trends like Maribeth and Marylou.
- The name merges the ancient Hebrew roots of Mary with the Old English topographical element Lee.