Berklee, pronounced /bɜːrkliː/, is an uncommon but distinctive given name of American origin. It gained popularity as a unisex name during the mid-to-late 20th century. The name Berklee is believed to have been derived from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1945 by Lawrence Berk. Initially known as the Schillinger House, it was later renamed after its founder's daughter, Lee, who also played a significant role in the school's development. The college became widely recognized for its innovative approach to music education, and its name has since been adopted as a given name, reflecting a connection with creativity, art, and individuality. Berklee is often associated with musical talent or appreciation, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an original yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Berklee experienced a brief spike in popularity between 2016 and 2019 with six births each of those years, after which it returned to its previous level of five births per year in 2018 and maintained that level through 2020. Overall, there were twenty-seven children named Berklee born over the course of five years.