Girl · 476th of 30,306
Marlee
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
17,338
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2008
Peak Popularity Year
900
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Marlee stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Marlee is an English name derived from the German name Marlene, which itself comes from Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala'. The name has evolved through various forms and is often associated with meanings related to the sea or bitterness. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is seen as a modern and trendy name. It has no direct biblical relevance but is rooted in significant historical forms.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːrli/
Origin
English
Etymology
Marlee is a modern variation of the name Marlene, which is derived from the German name Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala'. The name is often associated with the sea or bitter, stemming from its roots in Hebrew.
Meaning
of Magdala, sea, bitter
Language Evolution
Magdalene (Hebrew), Marlene (German), Marlee (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Marlee gained popularity in the late 20th century as a feminine form, often used as a creative spelling variation of Marlene.
Variants & Derivatives
Marlene, Marley, Marlee
Modern Popularity & Image
Marlee is perceived as a contemporary and trendy name, often favored for its melodic sound and modern appeal.
Famous People
Marlee Matlin - an American actress and advocate for the deaf community., Marlee Grace - an American dancer and choreographer.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 900 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 19 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11288th of 24088 | 66 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5651st of 23106 | 190 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2821st of 9204 | 185 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2719th of 12526 | 334 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3600th of 19264 | 284 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1301st of 27321 | 1,913 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 694th of 35406 | 6,331 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 476th of 30306 | 8,030 |