Lee Unisex

Popularity: #585 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationlee / liː

English; Chinese

Meaning

English: meadow; Chinese: plum

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lee has English origins, often derived from a surname meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'. In Chinese culture, Lee (or Li) is a common surname and can also mean 'plum'. The name has been widely used in various cultures, contributing to its popularity as both a first name and a surname. It has been a favored choice in English-speaking countries and has also gained recognition in Asian communities.

Trend Summary

Lee has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

JayBeauReedTreyFinnZaneKyeShay

Variants

  • Leigh
  • Lee

International Variants

  • Li (Chinese)
  • Le (French)

Famous people named Lee

Lee Iacocca was an American automobile executive known for his leadership at Chrysler Corporation.

Lee Pace is an American actor recognized for his roles in films such as 'The Hobbit' and the TV series 'Pushing Daisies'.

Lee Harvey Oswald was the alleged assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Lee Ann Womack is an American country music singer known for her hit song 'I Hope You Dance'.

Fictional characters named Lee

Lee Scoresby is a character in Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' series, known as a skilled aeronaut.

Lee Jordan is a character in J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, serving as a Quidditch commentator.

Sibling Suggestions

LiamLeoLucaLandonLyleLoren

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lee was first seen in the United States in 1880. Lee has ranked as high as #190 nationally, which occurred in 1951, and has been most popular in California, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Lee has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lee (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 24
7%
PA 24
7%
TX 21
6%
IL 20
6%
NC 18
5%
LA 15
4%
NY 15
4%
FL 15
4%
OH 15
4%
IA 15
4%
TN 13
4%
AZ 12
4%
WA 12
4%
IN 11
3%
MI 11
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880361
1881342
1882427
1883388
1884435
1885348
1886399
1887400
1888430
1889415
1890410
1891342
1892460
1893445
1894455
1895478
1896455
1897453
1898498
1899388
1900675
1901424
1902475
1903477
1904532
1905486
1906436
1907516
1908553
1909584
1910741
1911646
19121,030
19131,228
19141,451
19151,916
19162,016
19172,004
19182,159
19192,189
19202,321
19212,354
19222,371
19232,359
19242,420
19252,537
19262,313
19272,390
19282,282
19292,209
19302,361
19312,123
19322,284
19332,301
19342,378
19352,426
19362,418
19372,499
19382,575
19392,589
19402,623
19412,744
19422,922
19432,789
19442,929
19452,942
19463,346
19473,676
19483,445
19493,562
19503,611
19513,682
19523,655
19533,584
19543,566
19553,606
19563,509
19573,588
19583,517
19593,508
19603,432
19613,126
19623,260
19633,015
19643,037
19652,773
19662,964
19672,961
19682,868
19692,762
19702,791
19712,472
19722,259
19732,106
19742,115
19751,859
19761,874
19772,014
19781,980
19792,079
19802,209
19812,215
19822,204
19831,917
19842,164
19852,006
19861,932
19871,811
19881,784
19891,545
19901,450
19911,299
19921,128
1993990
1994917
1995774
1996721
1997615
1998607
1999510
2000502
2001513
2002439
2003403
2004412
2005384
2006391
2007382
2008361
2009374
2010353
2011353
2012357
2013361
2014349
2015375
2016390
2017369
2018352
2019297
2020313
2021377
2022377
2023376
2024370