What does Ailee mean and where does it come from?
Ailee is a name that has emerged in Korean culture, notably popularized by Ailee, the American-Korean singer and songwriter famous for her powerful vocal performances. The name reflects beauty and light, which is an appealing combination for many. Its use has been amplified by her celebrity status,
Cultural significance
Ailee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Korea-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ailee can mean 'beautiful', 'brightness', or 'brilliant' in korean..
Peak popularity
Reached #3059 in 2017 — currently #4883 in the US.
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Related Reading
Korea-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ailee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ailee?
Ailee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ailee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Ailee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Ailee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Ailee right now?
Falling — down 1124 spots — currently #4883 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4883 | 27 | ▼ down 1124 · -32% births |
| 2024 | #3759 | 40 | ▲ up 697 · +29% births |
| 2023 | #4456 | 31 | ▼ down 1501 · -45% births |
| 2022 | #2955 | 56 | ▲ up 82 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #3037 | 54 | ▲ up 631 · +35% births |
| 2020 | #3668 | 40 | ▼ down 443 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #3225 | 51 | ▲ up 1211 · +55% births |
| 2010 | #4436 | 33 | ▲ up 2209 · +83% births |
| 2005 | #6645 | 18 | ▲ up 1119 · +38% births |
| 2000 | #7764 | 13 | — |
The story of Ailee
Ailee is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 668 total births recorded, Ailee remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7764 in 2000 to #4456 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ailee in 2017:
Ailee by decade
Ailee peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 47 | |
| 2000s | 180 | |
| 2010s ★ | 396 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
💎Ailee has only 668 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ailee?
What names sound and feel like Ailee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ailee also consider these
Common questions about the name Ailee
What does the name Ailee mean?
Ailee means "Ailee can mean 'beautiful', 'brightness', or 'brilliant' in Korean." — a name rooted in Korea tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ailee?
Ailee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Ailee?
Ailee originates from Korea tradition. Korea names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ailee?
Ailee is a two-syllable name pronounced AY-LEE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ailee a common or rare name?
Ailee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.