What does Marilee mean and where does it come from?
Marilee is a modern American name created by blending the names Marie and Lee. Marie is of French origin and means 'bitter,' while Lee is of English origin meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' Although not as common as some names, it carries a unique charm and has been used since the mid-20th century. It
Cultural significance
Marilee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of marie and lee, related to 'bitter' and 'meadow' respectively..
Peak popularity
Reached #535 in 1942 — currently #8166 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marilee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marilee?
Marilee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marilee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Marilee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Marilee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Marilee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Marilee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Marilee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Marilee right now?
Rising fast — up 102 spots — currently #8166 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8166 | 13 | ▲ up 102 |
| 2024 | #8268 | 13 | ▼ down 375 · -7% births |
| 2023 | #7893 | 14 | ▲ up 3017 · +56% births |
| 2022 | #10910 | 9 | ▼ down 2121 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #8789 | 12 | ▲ up 6318 · +140% births |
| 2020 | #15107 | 5 | ▼ down 8860 · -75% births |
| 2015 | #6247 | 20 | ▲ up 5053 · +122% births |
| 2010 | #11300 | 9 | ▼ down 4127 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #7173 | 16 | ▲ up 25 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #7198 | 14 | ▼ down 901 |
| 1995 | #6297 | 14 | ▼ down 2561 · -50% births |
| 1990 | #3736 | 28 | ▼ down 1367 · -33% births |
| 1985 | #2369 | 42 | ▲ up 295 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #2664 | 35 | ▼ down 632 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #2032 | 43 | — |
The story of Marilee
Marilee entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 7,371 total births recorded, Marilee remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2515 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7893 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marilee in 1942:
Marilee by decade
Marilee peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 72 | |
| 1920s | 409 | |
| 1930s | 886 | |
| 1940s | 1,684 | |
| 1950s ★ | 1,818 | |
| 1960s | 1,095 | |
| 1970s | 459 | |
| 1980s | 380 | |
| 1990s | 228 | |
| 2000s | 191 | |
| 2010s | 144 | |
| 2020s | 31 | |
💎With 7,371 total births, Marilee is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Marilee?
What names sound and feel like Marilee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marilee also consider these
Common questions about the name Marilee
What does the name Marilee mean?
Marilee means "A combination of Marie and Lee, related to 'bitter' and 'meadow' respectively." — 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 Marilee?
Marilee 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 Marilee?
Marilee 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 Marilee?
Marilee is a three-syllable name pronounced MAH-RIL-EE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Marilee?
Marilee pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.