Marlee Girl
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)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 42 | |
| GA | 32 | |
| CA | 29 | |
| TN | 29 | |
| FL | 29 | |
| KY | 26 | |
| PA | 23 | |
| NC | 23 | |
| IN | 22 | |
| OH | 22 | |
| MN | 17 | |
| MO | 16 | |
| VA | 16 | |
| AL | 16 | |
| UT | 15 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1915 | 5 |
| 1930 | 6 |
| 1931 | 5 |
| 1932 | 6 |
| 1933 | 11 |
| 1934 | 9 |
| 1936 | 10 |
| 1937 | 14 |
| 1938 | 14 |
| 1939 | 19 |
| 1940 | 13 |
| 1941 | 16 |
| 1942 | 15 |
| 1943 | 19 |
| 1944 | 8 |
| 1945 | 20 |
| 1946 | 12 |
| 1947 | 17 |
| 1948 | 25 |
| 1949 | 13 |
| 1950 | 23 |
| 1951 | 21 |
| 1952 | 20 |
| 1953 | 14 |
| 1954 | 20 |
| 1955 | 13 |
| 1956 | 19 |
| 1957 | 17 |
| 1958 | 24 |
| 1959 | 23 |
| 1960 | 15 |
| 1961 | 14 |
| 1962 | 14 |
| 1963 | 14 |
| 1964 | 16 |
| 1965 | 12 |
| 1966 | 26 |
| 1967 | 19 |
| 1968 | 20 |
| 1969 | 16 |
| 1970 | 22 |
| 1971 | 16 |
| 1972 | 13 |
| 1973 | 28 |
| 1974 | 24 |
| 1975 | 19 |
| 1976 | 13 |
| 1977 | 14 |
| 1978 | 18 |
| 1979 | 13 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 13 |
| 1982 | 16 |
| 1983 | 12 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 39 |
| 1986 | 45 |
| 1987 | 95 |
| 1988 | 108 |
| 1989 | 120 |
| 1990 | 154 |
| 1991 | 169 |
| 1992 | 216 |
| 1993 | 303 |
| 1994 | 219 |
| 1995 | 183 |
| 1996 | 207 |
| 1997 | 174 |
| 1998 | 219 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 219 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 244 |
| 2003 | 283 |
| 2004 | 305 |
| 2005 | 332 |
| 2006 | 359 |
| 2007 | 364 |
| 2008 | 890 |
| 2009 | 791 |
| 2010 | 581 |
| 2011 | 549 |
| 2012 | 571 |
| 2013 | 651 |
| 2014 | 676 |
| 2015 | 695 |
| 2016 | 708 |
| 2017 | 647 |
| 2018 | 654 |
| 2019 | 697 |
| 2020 | 713 |
| 2021 | 683 |
| 2022 | 696 |
| 2023 | 608 |
| 2024 | 602 |