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 has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the statistics provided.
Between 1915 and 1984, the number of babies named Marlee remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year. However, this changed dramatically in 1985 when there were 39 births, marking the start of a significant increase in popularity.
From 1985 to 2023, the number of babies named Marlee has fluctuated but has generally shown an upward trend. The peak years for Marlee births include:
* 1993 with 303 births
* 2007 with 364 births
* 2008 with 890 births, which is the highest recorded year for Marlee births
Even after the peak in 2008, the popularity of the name has remained consistent. Between 2015 and 2023, there have been an average of around 670 births per year with the name Marlee.
Overall, since 1915, there have been a total of 16,473 babies named Marlee born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have always been one of the most popular names, Marlee has certainly made its mark and continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters.