Holding steady.
Popularity of Parlee since 1883
Babies named Parlee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Parlee's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 34 |
| 1890s | 39 |
| 1900s | 54 |
| 1910s | 128 |
| 1920s | 102 |
| 1930s | 51 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Parlee is a rare and intriguing name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1883, with its peak year of usage occurring in 1887. Though its exact origin is uncertain, it is most often considered a variant or pet form of Pearl, the gemstone name that enjoyed widespread popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Parlee may also have roots as an English surname, possibly derived from a place name. The name has never been common; its trajectory has been stable but obscure, with no recorded usage in recent decades. With no top states to anchor its geographic distribution, Parlee remains a largely forgotten relic of the 1880s, making it a highly distinctive choice for those seeking a name with vintage charm and gemlike associations.
Parlee appears to be a variant or pet form of Pearl, which derives from the Latin 'perla' or 'perula', referring to the precious gemstone. It may also have originated as a surname, itself a variant of Pearley or Parley. The name saw modest use in the late 19th century, particularly in the 1880s, but has since become exceedingly rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Par, Lee
Sibling names for Parlee
Names that share Parlee's style, for a brother or sister.
