The name Marlee is of American origin and is considered a variant of the name Marilyn. It has gained popularity in recent years as an independent given name rather than just a diminutive form of Marilyn.
The name Marilyn itself originates from the English personal name Marion, which means "of Mars," the Roman god of war. Therefore, Marlee also shares this historical connection to ancient Roman mythology and is associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and leadership.
There is no notable historical figure or event directly linked to the name Marlee. However, it has been used by a few celebrities in recent times, which may have contributed to its increasing popularity. For instance, Marlee Matlin is an American actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987 for her role in "Children of a Lesser God." Her notable success might have influenced some parents' decision to name their daughters Marlee.
In terms of popularity, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name Marlee has been steadily gaining traction since the mid-2000s. It reached its peak popularity in 2017 when it ranked #948 for girls' names, but it has since declined slightly.
Overall, the name Marlee is an attractive and unique option that draws from the rich history of the English language and ancient Roman mythology. Its recent association with successful figures like Marlee Matlin may also contribute to its appeal for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Marlee experienced a significant rise in popularity from the 1980s onwards, with a notable spike occurring between 1985 and 2007. During this period, the number of annual births named Marlee increased dramatically, peaking at 890 in 2008. However, since then, the popularity of the name has declined steadily, reaching a total of 605 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 16,473 births named Marlee from 1915 to 2023.