Holding steady.
Popularity of Sallee since 1914
Babies named Sallee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sallee's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 77 |
| 1940s | 84 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 35 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Sallee is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1914. Its peak usage came in 1931, during the Great Depression, but it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. The name has remained stable in usage, with occasional births each year, and as of 2025, it continues to be used but is exceptionally uncommon. Sallee is most likely a variant spelling of Sally or Sallie, both diminutives of Sarah. Its spelling with 'ee' is reminiscent of other vintage diminutives like Dolly or Susie, giving it a distinctive but familiar sound. Despite its low frequency, Sallee holds a nostalgic charm for those drawn to early 20th-century names. No top states are associated with its use, reflecting its scattered, nationwide rarity.
Sallee is most likely a variant spelling of Sally, which itself is a diminutive of Sarah. Sarah derives from the Hebrew name Sarai, meaning 'princess' or 'lady'. Sallee emerged as an occasional spelling variant in the United States in the early 20th century, with recorded usage from 1914 onward. Its peak in the 1930s suggests a period of modest popularity, but it has never been common.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sal
Sibling names for Sallee
Names that share Sallee's style, for a brother or sister.
