A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marilee since 1912
Babies named Marilee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 72 |
| 1920s | 409 |
| 1930s | 886 |
| 1940s | 1,684 |
| 1950s | 1,818 |
| 1960s | 1,095 |
| 1970s | 459 |
| 1980s | 380 |
| 1990s | 228 |
| 2000s | 192 |
| 2010s | 144 |
| 2020s | 67 |
Meaning & origin
Marilee is a compound name formed from Mary and Lee, first recorded in the United States in 1912. It reached its peak popularity in 1942, when it was most frequently given. After declining for decades, the name has seen a modest revival since 2021. In 2025, it ranked 7,885, with a frequency of about 1 in 123,636 girls. Marilee fits a pattern of early-20th-century invented names that combine classic elements. Its top states of usage are not concentrated, suggesting a broad but thin distribution. For parents seeking a vintage, feminine name with literary flair and a melodic sound, Marilee offers a distinctive choice without being obscure.
Marilee is a compound name formed from Mary and Lee. Mary derives from the Hebrew name Miriam, of debated meaning ('bitter', 'beloved', or 'sea of bitterness'), while Lee comes from Old English leah 'woodland clearing' or 'meadow'. The name emerged in the early 20th century, part of a pattern of combining Mary with other names or suffixes (e.g., Marilou, Maribeth). It saw peak popularity in the United States in the 1940s.
Where Marilee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mare, Rilee, Mari
Sibling names for Marilee
Names that share Marilee's style, for a brother or sister.
