Malee is a unique and beautiful name of Thai origin. It is derived from the Thai word "ma lee", which means "new year". The name is traditionally given to girls born during the Thai New Year, known as Songkran, which typically falls in mid-April.
The name Malee has a deep cultural significance in Thailand. It represents new beginnings and fresh starts, much like the spirit of the New Year. People with this name are often considered to be full of life, energy, and positivity, embodying the essence of renewal and rebirth.
Historically, the name Malee has been popular among the royal families in Thailand. There have been several members of Thai royalty who have borne this beautiful name, further elevating its status and significance in Thai culture.
Today, Malee is not only popular in Thailand but also among Thai communities around the world. It is a name that celebrates cultural heritage while also being modern and unique. Parents often choose it for their daughters as it signifies hope, fresh starts, and new beginnings.
The name Malee has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 320 babies given this name since 1966. The earliest records show that five girls were named Malee in both 1966 and 1977, indicating that it was quite uncommon during these decades.
However, starting from the early 80s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Malee each year. The years 1982 to 1983 saw five births each year, but this number jumped to nine in both 1986 and 1988.
The highest point for the popularity of the name Malee was reached between the late 90s and early 2000s. In 1996, there were eleven births, followed by fifteen in 2002, fourteen in 2004, twelve in both 2005 and 2007, and thirteen in 2012.
Interestingly, after a peak in the early 2000s, the popularity of the name Malee started to decline. Between 2016 and 2021, there were only five or six births each year.
Despite this decline in recent years, it is clear that the name Malee has had periods of significant popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Its varied trend in popularity makes it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet historic name.