Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Marlee
GirlEnglish, American (modern coinage)· “modern spelling of Marley”
- Meaning
- modern spelling of Marley
- Origin
- English, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #536
- US babies 2025
- 564
- Best rank
- #367 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Marlee
Marlee is an English and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern spelling of Marley”.
Marlee is a modern spelling of Marley, an English surname taken from several place names. Those places have different Old English roots, often explained as pleasant wood or boundary wood, so the exact meaning depends on the location. The name gained wide attention through the actress Marlee Matlin, and its sound also recalls the musician Bob Marley. The -ee ending gives it a softer, more feminine look. Marlee is cheerful and approachable, with an easy two-syllable rhythm. It pairs well with both classic and nature-inspired middle names and needs no nickname.
Popularity over time
Marlee first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1992. Its best national rank was #367 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 890 babies. In 2025, 564 babies were named Marlee, and it ranked #536 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,035 in 1950, #6,165 in 1980, #968 in 2000, #514 in 2010, and #536 in 2025. Of the 17,654 US girls named Marlee since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,018 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anya, Nataly, Madyson, Jaslene, and Kaylin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marlee ranked highest in Idaho, South Dakota, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | #151 | 14 |
| South Dakota | #181 | 7 |
| Alabama | #212 | 22 |
| Mississippi | #212 | 13 |
| Louisiana | #249 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Marlee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Marlee is usually pronounced MAHR-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ee”.
Middle names for Marlee
A few middle names that flow with Marlee: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marlee
Similar names
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Lists that include Marlee
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marlee mean?
Marlee is an English and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern spelling of Marley”.
What is the origin of the name Marlee?
Marlee has English and modern American roots. Marlee is a modern spelling of Marley, an English surname taken from several place names.
Is Marlee a popular name?
Yes. Marlee ranked #536 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Marlee a boy or girl name?
Marlee is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Marlee over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Marlee?
Marlee is usually pronounced MAHR-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