Marilee is a beautiful and unique female given name of American origin. It is a combination of the names Mary and Lee. The name Mary has a long history and is derived from the Latin name Maria, which means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." Lee, on the other hand, is an English surname that originates from several different sources, including Old English words for "clearing in the wood," "meadow," and even "heroic."
The name Marilee first gained popularity during the mid-20th century in America. It was often given to daughters born in the 1950s and 1960s as a more modern and unique alternative to traditional names like Mary or Marie. The name has since become associated with several notable figures, including American actress Marlee Matlin, who won an Academy Award for her role in the film "Children of a Lesser God."
Overall, the name Marilee is a beautiful and distinctive choice for a baby girl. Its meaning and origins add to its charm, making it a wonderful option for parents looking for something unique yet meaningful.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Marilee has seen a significant decrease in popularity over time in the United States. The highest number of births with the name Marilee occurred in 1937 with 146 births, which is also the peak year for this name.
However, from 1940 onwards, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Marilee each year. By the year 2000, only 14 babies were named Marilee at birth, and this number has continued to fluctuate between single digits since then, with 5 births recorded in 2020.
Despite the overall decrease in popularity, there have been slight increases in some years, such as 2007 with 25 births and 2018 with 18 births. However, these are exceptions to the general trend of decreasing usage over time.
In total, between 1912 and 2023, there were 7406 babies named Marilee at birth in the United States. This statistic provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of naming trends in America throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.