Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Marlee

Marlee is a modern American spelling of Marley which is the transferred use of a long-established English surname of Anglo-Saxon origins. Marley was derived from a place name located in several different areas of England. The Olde English elements “mearth” meaning ‘marten’ plus “lēah” meaning ‘wood clearing’ gave birth to the name Marley. A marten is a short-legged, bushy-tailed animal that lives in northern forests and trees. There are several places called Marley in England (e.g., Devon, Kent and West Yorkshire). This surname dates back to the 12th century and is also thought to represent the Olde English word “myrig” which means ‘pleasant’. The usage of Marley as a given (primarily female) name began in the United States at the end of the 20th century and was likely influenced by the reggae musician and Jamaican singer Bob Marley (1945-1981). Marley is also sometime considered a pet form of the name Marlene. The spelling of Marlee is borne by the American actress Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actress to win an Academy Award for her 1986 role in “Children of a Lesser God”.

All About the Baby Name – Marlee

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MARLEE

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MARLEE

Marlee first appeared on the female naming charts in 1992 although the name languished at the bottom of the list for over fifteen years. Suddenly in 2008, the spelling of Marlee jumped 426 positions up the charts in one year alone (this also happened to be the year that the popular film “Marley & Me” was released to eager audiences everywhere). Still, the spelling of Marley has fared better on the charts than the more cutesy Marlee with the “-lee” suffix. As parents have responded to this name, new spellings have emerged. More recently Marleigh and Marlie have appeared on the female naming charts. However, it does appear as if these names are on a downward trend and their 15 minutes of fame may be coming to an end. Perhaps some parents are figuring out that they don’t want their child’s name so closely associated with a common dog’s name.

Quick Facts

ON MARLEE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

471

PRONUNCIATION:

MAHR-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Marten wood clearing, Pleasant

Characteristics

OF MARLEE

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Marlee

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MARLEE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Marlee

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MARLEE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Marlee


Popular Songs

ON MARLEE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Marlee


Famous People

NAMED MARLEE

Marlee Matlin (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MARLEE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Marlee

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MARLEE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Marlee