A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rosalee since 1880
Babies named Rosalee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2020, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rosalee's real moment was 1938.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 29 |
| 1890s | 142 |
| 1900s | 270 |
| 1910s | 954 |
| 1920s | 1,602 |
| 1930s | 1,739 |
| 1940s | 1,697 |
| 1950s | 753 |
| 1960s | 426 |
| 1970s | 330 |
| 1980s | 391 |
| 1990s | 322 |
| 2000s | 412 |
| 2010s | 2,080 |
| 2020s | 1,753 |
Meaning & origin
Rosalee is a gentle, vintage compound name that combines the enduring charm of Rose with the soft ending -lee. First recorded in 1880, it enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 1930s, reaching its peak rank in 1938. After decades of decline, the name has been on an upward trajectory since 1995, reflecting a broader revival of old-fashioned floral and nature names. Its top states include West Virginia, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, where it has maintained a steady presence. The name's revival aligns with a modern taste for sweet, pastoral names that feel both familiar and distinctive.
Rosalee is a compound name combining the floral name Rose with the suffix -lee, derived from Old English leah meaning 'woodland clearing' or 'meadow'. It emerged in the late 19th century as a variant of Rosalie, likely influenced by the popularity of Lee as a feminine middle name or surname. The name saw peak usage in the 1930s and has recently experienced a revival.
Where Rosalee 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: Rose, Rosie, Lee, Lea
Sibling names for Rosalee
Names that share Rosalee's style, for a brother or sister.
