Karlee is a unique and captivating feminine name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by author and poet Carlene Hatcher Polite for her novel "The Neon Woman" published in the late 1970s. The name Karlee gained popularity due to its distinctive sound and has since become more widely used.
While there is no direct translation or meaning attributed to the name Karlee, it is often associated with a few possible interpretations. Some believe that it could be derived from the Irish surname "Carley," which means "strong" or "vigorous." Alternatively, it could be linked to the English name "Caroline," meaning "freeholder" or "strength," as it shares similar phonetics.
The name Karlee has not been extensively used historically, with its popularity largely stemming from its introduction in popular culture. Despite this, it has gained a following and is now considered an attractive option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter.
In terms of popularity, the name Karlee has seen some fluctuations over time but remains relatively uncommon. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, its peak popularity was in 1986 when it reached number 753. Since then, its rank has varied, reaching as low as 2,045 in recent years.
Overall, Karlee is a unique and intriguing feminine name with a blend of American and Irish influences. Its meaning may be open to interpretation, but its distinctive sound and attractive qualities have made it a popular choice for parents seeking a less common name for their daughter.
The name Karlee has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with several notable peaks and declines.
In the mid-20th century, the name was quite uncommon, with only five babies named Karlee born in 1956. However, by the early 1970s, its popularity began to grow, reaching double digits for the first time in 1972 with ten births.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name Karlee, as it started to gain widespread recognition. From 1983 onwards, the number of babies named Karlee consistently exceeded fifty each year, with notable spikes in popularity such as 126 births in 1988 and 374 births in 1992.
The 1990s and early 2000s maintained this upward trend, with the highest number of babies named Karlee born in 2004, totaling 482 births. However, after reaching its peak popularity, the name began to gradually decline in usage over time.
From 2017 onwards, the number of babies named Karlee has fallen below 300 each year, with only 156 births recorded in 2023. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Karlee remains a well-established choice for parents in the United States, having been given to a total of 13,417 babies over the years.
It is interesting to note that while Karlee's popularity has fluctuated considerably, it has maintained a steady presence among baby names in the United States. This consistency can be attributed to its unique sound and spelling, which likely appeals to parents seeking distinctive yet approachable names for their daughters.