Holding steady, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Malee since 1966
Babies named Malee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 89 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Malee entered U.S. records in 1966, reaching its peak popularity in 2002. As of 2025, it ranked 11,932 with a frequency of 1 in 229,610 births, reflecting a stable trajectory that suggests continued niche use. The name's Thai origin ties it to the natural world, evoking the jasmine flower, and its simplicity has maintained a steady but low profile in American naming practices.
Malee is derived from Thai มาลี (malee), meaning 'flower' or specifically 'jasmine'. It is a common name in Thailand, often given to girls, and shares roots with the Sanskrit word माला (mālā) meaning 'garland'. The name entered English usage through Thai diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Mali
Sibling names for Malee
Names that share Malee's style, for a brother or sister.
