Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (19 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 19 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
85.12% 2362nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
33.13% 1221st/3685 |
26.41% 1182nd/4475 |
23.26% 1208th/5194 |
24.49% 1547th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
14.75% 676th/4582 |
17.54% 906th/5164 |
8.03% 587th/7313 |
10.89% 813th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.59% 422nd/3984 |
15.00% 673rd/4487 |
5.56% 379th/6822 |
9.85% 618th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11288th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5651st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2821st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2719th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3600th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1301st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 694th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 476th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.