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Marlee Girl

Popularity: #441 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-lee / /ˈmɑːrli/

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: from the meadow; Hebrew: bitter

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Marlee is believed to have multiple linguistic roots, primarily deriving from the Old English name "Mearcwald," which means "boundary ruler." This name evolved over time, with variations appearing in different cultures. The name can also be linked to the Hebrew name "Miriam," which has been interpreted to mean "sea of bitterness" or "wished-for child." The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of Norman French after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where names were often adapted and modified to fit the phonetic and cultural contexts of the English language.

Historically, the name Marlee and its variants have been associated with various notable figures and events. While there are no specific saints or biblical figures directly linked to the name Marlee, its roots in names like Miriam connect it to significant religious narratives, particularly in Judeo-Christian traditions. The name's presence in literature and historical texts can be traced back to the medieval period, where variations of the name appeared in various forms, reflecting the linguistic changes of the time.

Culturally, names like Marlee have often been associated with strength and resilience, qualities that resonate through its etymological roots. The name's connection to leadership and authority, as suggested by its Old English origins, has contributed to its enduring appeal. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Marley" have emerged, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. The name's historical significance and its associations with strength and leadership have allowed it to maintain a presence in various cultural contexts.

Trend Summary

Marlee has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marley
  • Marlee

International Variants

  • Marlie (Dutch)
  • Marli (German)

Famous people named Marlee

Marlee Matlin is an actress best known for Children of a Lesser God, The West Wing, and Switched at Birth.

Marlee Scott is a country music singer best known for her singles and albums in the country genre.

Fictional characters named Marlee

Marlee is a fictional character from the novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett. She is a young girl who forms a bond with the African American maids in her community, providing a unique perspective on the racial tensions of the time.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Marlee was first seen in the United States in 1915. Marlee has ranked as high as #661 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Marlee has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Marlee (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 42
8%
GA 32
6%
CA 29
5%
TN 29
5%
FL 29
5%
KY 26
5%
PA 23
4%
NC 23
4%
IN 22
4%
OH 22
4%
MN 17
3%
MO 16
3%
VA 16
3%
AL 16
3%
UT 15
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19155
19306
19315
19326
193311
19349
193610
193714
193814
193919
194013
194116
194215
194319
19448
194520
194612
194717
194825
194913
195023
195121
195220
195314
195420
195513
195619
195717
195824
195923
196015
196114
196214
196314
196416
196512
196626
196719
196820
196916
197022
197116
197213
197328
197424
197519
197613
197714
197818
197913
198011
198113
198216
198312
198414
198539
198645
198795
1988108
1989120
1990154
1991169
1992216
1993303
1994219
1995183
1996207
1997174
1998219
1999220
2000219
2001230
2002244
2003283
2004305
2005332
2006359
2007364
2008890
2009791
2010581
2011549
2012571
2013651
2014676
2015695
2016708
2017647
2018654
2019697
2020713
2021683
2022696
2023608
2024602