Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Bailee
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), English· “bailiff”
- Meaning
- bailiff
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- BAY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,069
- US babies 2025
- 227
- Best rank
- #407 (1997)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Bailee
Bailee is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “bailiff”.
Bailee is a modern spelling of Bailey, an English occupational surname for a bailiff, an official who managed property or carried out legal duties for a lord. The word comes from Old French baillif. Bailey was used mainly as a surname and boys' name before becoming a popular choice for girls in the United States. The -ee ending gives Bailee a softer, contemporary look. It is friendly and upbeat, with two easy syllables. Bay is a possible nickname, and Bailey, Baylee and Bailie are related spellings.
Popularity over time
Bailee first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #407 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 658 were named Bailee. In 2025, 227 babies were named Bailee, and it ranked #1,069 nationally. That is 60% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #429 in 2000, #527 in 2010, and #1,069 in 2025. Of the 16,240 US girls named Bailee since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,293 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Rhiannon, Yasmine, Abbey, Janae, and Kaleigh.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bailee ranked highest in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | #274 | 16 |
| Mississippi | #446 | 6 |
| Alabama | #583 | 8 |
| Maryland | #608 | 8 |
| Oklahoma | #626 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Bailee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Bailee is usually pronounced BAY-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with B and ends in “-ee”.
Middle names for Bailee
A few middle names that flow with Bailee: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bailee
Similar names
Baylee Girl
BAY-lee
“bailiff; modern spelling of Bailey” · English
#1,008
Journee Girl
JUR-nee
“journey” · American (modern coinage)
#258
Charlee Girl
CHAHR-lee
“free man” · American (modern coinage)
#417
Marlee Girl
MAHR-lee
“modern spelling of Marley” · English
#536
Haylee Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#1,419
Destinee Girl
DEHS-tuh-nee
“variant of Destiny” · American (modern coinage)
#3,040
Maylee Girl
MAY-lee
“modern blend of May and Lee” · American (modern coinage)
#1,023
Atlee Unisex
AT-lee
“surname meaning at the meadow” · English
#3,786
Kaylee Girl
KAY-lee
“blend of Kay and Lee” · American (modern coinage)
#255
Rylee Girl
RY-lee
“form of Riley; from a surname” · Irish
#137
Aubree Girl
AW-bree
“elf ruler” · American (modern coinage)
#489
Kylee Girl
KY-lee
“modern form of Kylie or Kyle” · American (modern coinage)
#876
Lists that include Bailee
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bailee mean?
Bailee is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “bailiff”.
What is the origin of the name Bailee?
Bailee has modern American and English roots. Bailee is a modern spelling of Bailey, an English occupational surname for a bailiff, an official who managed property or carried out legal duties for a lord.
Is Bailee a popular name?
Not especially. Bailee ranked #1,069 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Bailee a boy or girl name?
Bailee is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Bailee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Bailee?
Bailee is usually pronounced BAY-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings