Rising since 1996, #3,211 for girls today.
Popularity of Whitlee since 1988
Babies named Whitlee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 114 |
| 2000s | 119 |
| 2010s | 363 |
| 2020s | 292 |
Meaning & origin
Whitlee is a modern respelling of the established surname-turned-first-name Whitley. First recorded in 1988, it saw a notable surge in the 2020s, peaking in 2023 at a rank of 3,211. The name is most popular relative to its use in Alabama and Texas, and it has been on a rising trajectory since 1996, reflecting the broader trend of creative spelling in English feminine given names. Its sound aligns with popular -ee endings like Paisley and Everly, but it maintains a connection to the original Old English elements 'white' and 'meadow.'
Whitlee is a modern respelling of the surname Whitley, which derives from Old English hwīt 'white' and lēah 'wood, clearing, meadow.' The name originated as a habitational name for someone from any of several places named Whitley in England. It began to be used as a given name in the late 20th century, with the -ee spelling likely influenced by names like Leigh and Lee.
Where Whitlee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Whit, Lee
Sibling names for Whitlee
Names that share Whitlee's style, for a brother or sister.
