What does Carlee mean and where does it come from?
Carlee is an alternative spelling of Carly, which has English origins tracing back to the masculine name Charles. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is mainly used in English-speaking countries. Notable figures with this name include Carlee Russell, an American woman known for her inv
Cultural significance
Carlee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man; strong.
Peak popularity
Reached #601 in 1997 — currently #1911 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Carlee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carlee?
Carlee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carlee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Carlee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Carlee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Carlee right now?
Falling — down 225 spots — currently #1911 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1911 | 101 | ▼ down 225 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #1686 | 121 | ▼ down 960 · -92% births |
| 2023 | #726 | 1,474 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #731 | 1,454 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #736 | 1,424 | ▲ up 579 · +758% births |
| 2020 | #1315 | 166 | ▼ down 547 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #768 | 367 | ▼ down 10 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #758 | 360 | ▼ down 143 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #615 | 459 | ▲ up 13 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #628 | 401 | ▲ up 71 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #699 | 302 | ▲ up 489 · +110% births |
| 1990 | #1188 | 144 | ▲ up 84 · +36% births |
| 1985 | #1272 | 106 | ▲ up 893 · +126% births |
| 1980 | #2165 | 47 | ▲ up 585 · +74% births |
| 1975 | #2750 | 27 | — |
The story of Carlee
Carlee entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. A total of 12,614 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2092 in 1910 to #726 in 2023. Carlee is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carlee in 1997:
Carlee by decade
Carlee peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 116 | |
| 1920s | 205 | |
| 1930s | 179 | |
| 1940s | 153 | |
| 1950s | 108 | |
| 1960s | 101 | |
| 1970s | 277 | |
| 1980s | 920 | |
| 1990s | 3,003 | |
| 2000s ★ | 4,226 | |
| 2010s | 3,155 | |
| 2020s | 388 | |
What are good nicknames for Carlee?
What names sound and feel like Carlee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carlee also consider these
Common questions about the name Carlee
What does the name Carlee mean?
Carlee means "free man; strong" — a name rooted in English 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 Carlee?
Carlee is currently ranked #726 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Carlee?
Carlee originates from English tradition. English 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 Carlee?
Carlee is a two-syllable name pronounced KAH-RLEE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Carlee more of a girl or boy name?
Carlee is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.