Declining since 1985, #725 for boys today.
Popularity of Lee since 1880
Babies named Lee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1951, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lee's real moment was 1900.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 494 | 3,945 |
| 1890s | 816 | 4,384 |
| 1900s | 1,516 | 5,158 |
| 1910s | 3,883 | 15,380 |
| 1920s | 5,030 | 23,556 |
| 1930s | 4,471 | 23,954 |
| 1940s | 6,803 | 30,978 |
| 1950s | 13,861 | 35,826 |
| 1960s | 13,100 | 30,200 |
| 1970s | 6,590 | 21,546 |
| 1980s | 3,742 | 19,788 |
| 1990s | 1,235 | 9,011 |
| 2000s | 370 | 4,161 |
| 2010s | 249 | 3,557 |
| 2020s | 139 | 2,183 |
Meaning & origin
Lee is a straightforward, single-syllable name with deep roots in the English landscape. Its pastoral meaning and simple sound have made it an enduring choice, especially in the American South. In 2025, Lee ranks 725th for boys, a modest but steady position, and is given to roughly 1 in 4,667 baby boys. The name reached its peak popularity in 1900, when it stood much higher, and has been on a gradual decline since 1985. Iowa, Nebraska, and Arkansas are the states where Lee is most frequently chosen, reflecting its regional appeal.
Lee originated as an English topographic surname for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing, from the Old English 'leah'. It was also given as a habitational name from any of the various places named Lee. In the United States, Lee transferred to first-name use in the 19th century, partly in honor of the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. It was widely used for boys but also occasionally for girls, especially as a middle name or in combination names.
Where Lee is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lee” around the world
Where Lee lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Leigh
Sibling names for Lee
Names that share Lee's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ann, Jane, Sue, Lynn, Claire, Kay, Gay, Kaye, Leeann, Lyn, Raeann, Dene, Gae, Kae, Mc, Roe, See, Twilla, Leonda, Maedell, Mare, Mee, Ree, Joelee, Soua
Brothers: Ray, Gene, Roy, Earl, Glen, Jay, Dee, Dell, Lon, Cy, Del, Gaines, Jr, Les, Loy, Male, San, Byrd, Chee, Coye, Dal, Kem, Zell, Calhoun, Coe, Dorn, Dyke, Fong, Ky, Leanthony, Boykin, Ching, Clee, Dong, Dorr, Ell, Gailen, Moua, Offie, Wen
Names like Lee
Names whose popularity has moved with Lee's over the last 50 years.
