What does Klee mean and where does it come from?
Klee is a name that has both cultural and artistic significance. It is often associated with the artist Paul Klee, a Swiss painter known for his unique style. The name Klee can also be linked to Old German meanings related to a 'key' or 'clover'. It is a more modern name and has gained recognition m
Cultural significance
Klee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of key.
Peak popularity
Reached #4927 in 1998 — currently #11922 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Klee?
Klee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Klee Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Klee Rose
Floral · soft ending
Klee Claire
French influence · crisp
Klee Jane
Literary · strong
Klee Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Klee right now?
Falling — down 3929 spots — currently #11922 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #10448 | 10 | ▼ down 3929 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #6519 | 20 | ▲ up 1189 · +33% births |
| 2005 | #7708 | 15 | ▼ down 270 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #7438 | 14 | ▼ down 462 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #6976 | 13 | ▲ up 302 · +8% births |
| 1990 | #7278 | 12 | — |
The story of Klee
Klee is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 373 total births recorded, Klee remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7278 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10448 in 2015.
Names that peaked alongside Klee in 1998:
Klee by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 101 | |
| 2000s ★ | 150 | |
| 2010s | 117 | |
💎Klee has only 373 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Klee?
What names sound and feel like Klee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Klee also consider these
Common questions about the name Klee
What does the name Klee mean?
Klee means "Key" — a name rooted in American 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 Klee?
Klee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Klee?
Klee originates from American tradition. American 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 Klee?
Klee is a one-syllable name pronounced K L IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Klee sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Klee flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Klee ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.