Merrilee

“A combination of 'Merry' and 'Lee', denoting a cheerful and joyful personality.” — Associated with names that convey a sense of lightness or delight

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16792US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 192300.01% of births at peak

What does Merrilee mean and where does it come from?

The name Merrilee emerged in the 20th century, primarily in the United States. It is often considered a modern creation, blending themes of happiness ('Merry') with the common suffix 'lee', which is often associated with names that convey a sense of lightness or delight. Its usage is relatively rare

Cultural significance

Merrilee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of 'merry' and 'lee', denoting a cheerful and joyful personality..

Peak popularity

Reached #884 in 1942 — currently #16792 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Merrilee?

Merrilee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Merrilee Grace

How popular is Merrilee right now?

Falling — down 3128 spots — currently #16792 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#16792 · Top 12%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1995

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#16792	5	▼ down 3128
1995	#13664	5	▼ down 5156 · -29% births
1985	#8508	7	▼ down 3477 · -50% births
1980	#5031	14	▼ down 1022 · -12% births
1975	#4009	16	▼ down 1829 · -57% births
1970	#2180	37	▲ up 324 · +54% births
1965	#2504	24	▼ down 726 · -41% births
1960	#1778	41	▼ down 509 · -36% births
1955	#1269	64	▲ up 161 · +52% births
1950	#1430	42	▼ down 221 · -5% births
1945	#1209	44	▲ up 987 · +193% births
1940	#2196	15	▲ up 1914 · +150% births
1935	#4110	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Merrilee

Best Year1945Rank #1209

Peak Count64

Average Rank#4975

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1935 - 202313 years

The story of Merrilee

Merrilee entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 1,861 total births recorded, Merrilee remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4110 in 1935, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16792 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Merrilee in 1942:

Mary Barbara Patricia Linda Carol

Merrilee by decade

Merrilee peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	27
1930s	62
1940s	567
1950s ★	578
1960s	301
1970s	203
1980s	88
1990s	24
2000s	11

💎With 1,861 total births, Merrilee is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Merrilee?

Common

MerMeIlee

What names sound and feel like Merrilee?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Merrilee also consider these

Merrylee

American · English

Jerrilee

American · Variant of Jerry's

Merridee

English · a combination of

Meridee

American · Of the sea

English · From the dark

Sherrilee

American · A variation of

Common questions about the name Merrilee

What does the name Merrilee mean?

Merrilee means "A combination of 'Merry' and 'Lee', denoting a cheerful and joyful personality." — 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 Merrilee?

Merrilee 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 Merrilee?

Merrilee 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.

What sibling names go well with Merrilee?

Merrilee 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.

Is Merrilee a common or rare name?

Merrilee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.