What does Lee mean and where does it come from?
The name Lee has several origins. In English, it refers to a meadow or clearing, derived from Old English 'leah'. In Chinese, the character 李 (李) is a common surname meaning 'plum'. The name is gender-neutral but has been predominantly used as a feminine name in the U.S. Notable individuals with thi
Cultural significance
Lee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meadow or clearing.
Peak popularity
Reached #182 in 1955 — currently #5832 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lee?
Lee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lee Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Lee John
One syllable · timeless choice
Lee Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Lee Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Lee Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Lee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Lee right now?
Falling — down 602 spots — currently #5832 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5832 | 21 | ▼ down 602 · -16% births |
| 2024 | #5230 | 25 | ▼ down 4524 · -93% births |
| 2023 | #706 | 376 | ▼ down 7 |
| 2022 | #699 | 377 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2021 | #700 | 377 | ▲ up 4020 · +1296% births |
| 2020 | #4720 | 27 | ▲ up 723 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #5443 | 24 | ▼ down 839 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #4604 | 31 | ▲ up 991 · +41% births |
| 2005 | #5595 | 22 | ▼ down 3288 · -67% births |
| 2000 | #2307 | 67 | ▼ down 785 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #1522 | 102 | ▼ down 568 · -48% births |
| 1990 | #954 | 197 | ▼ down 344 · -36% births |
| 1985 | #610 | 310 | ▼ down 246 · -52% births |
| 1980 | #364 | 651 | ▼ down 4 · +11% births |
| 1975 | #360 | 585 | — |
The story of Lee
Lee has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 293,923 babies have been named Lee since 1880. Once ranked #300 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #706 in 2023. Lee is used for both genders: 21% female and 79% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lee in 1955:
Lee by decade
Lee peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,439 | |
| 1890s | 5,200 | |
| 1900s | 6,674 | |
| 1910s | 19,264 | |
| 1920s | 28,584 | |
| 1930s | 28,423 | |
| 1940s | 37,780 | |
| 1950s ★ | 49,681 | |
| 1960s | 43,307 | |
| 1970s | 28,154 | |
| 1980s | 23,526 | |
| 1990s | 10,246 | |
| 2000s | 4,526 | |
| 2010s | 3,784 | |
| 2020s | 1,117 | |
What are good nicknames for Lee?
What names sound and feel like Lee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lee also consider these
Common questions about the name Lee
What does the name Lee mean?
Lee means "meadow or clearing" — 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 Lee?
Lee is currently ranked #706 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lee have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lee?
Lee 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 Lee?
Lee is a one-syllable name pronounced LEE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Lee sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Lee flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Lee ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.