Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Charlee
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), English· “free man”
- Meaning
- free man
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- CHAHR-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #417
- US babies 2025
- 750
- Best rank
- #272 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Charlee
Charlee is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “free man”.
Charlee is a modern spelling of Charlie, the long-standing nickname for Charles and Charlotte. Charles comes from a Germanic word meaning free man, and it was carried by Charlemagne and many European kings. Charlie has become a popular independent name for both boys and girls, and the -ee ending of Charlee gives it a distinctly feminine look for many American parents. The name feels friendly, spunky and down to earth. If you would like a longer formal option, Charlotte leads naturally to Charlee, while the short form stands well on its own.
Popularity over time
Charlee first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2006. Its best national rank was #272 in 2021, and the most babies received it in 2019, when 1,172 were named Charlee. In 2025, 750 babies were named Charlee, and it ranked #417 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,560 in 1950, #2,705 in 1980, #1,887 in 2000, #558 in 2010, and #417 in 2025. Of the 19,268 US girls named Charlee since records began, 51% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 5,613 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alayah, Thea, Camilla, Briella, and Samara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Charlee ranked highest in Alabama, Alaska, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #109 | 40 |
| Alaska | #114 | 6 |
| West Virginia | #119 | 13 |
| Montana | #148 | 7 |
| Kentucky | #196 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Charlee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Charlee is usually pronounced CHAHR-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ee”.
Middle names for Charlee
A few middle names that flow with Charlee: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Charlee
Similar names
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Lists that include Charlee
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Charlee mean?
Charlee is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “free man”.
What is the origin of the name Charlee?
Charlee has modern American, English, and Germanic roots. Charlee is a modern spelling of Charlie, the long-standing nickname for Charles and Charlotte.
Is Charlee a popular name?
Yes. Charlee ranked #417 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Charlee a boy or girl name?
Charlee is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Charlee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Charlee?
Charlee is usually pronounced CHAHR-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