MyNameList

    Marilee

    מרילי(Marili)

    Pronunciation: MAIR-uh-lee

    ♀ Female
    Hebrew, Latin, Old English

    Meaning

    star of the sea and bitter, or beloved

    Origin

    Hebrew and Latin (combination)

    The Story Behind Marilee

    Marilee is a modern American coinage, typically formed by combining the names Mary and Lee. Mary is a name of ancient Hebrew origin, derived from 'Miryam', with several possible meanings including 'bitter', 'rebellious', or 'wished-for child'. It is also often associated with the Latin 'stella maris', meaning 'star of the sea', particularly through its veneration of the Virgin Mary. Lee, on the other hand, is an English surname and given name derived from an Old English word meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'.

    The combination of Mary and Lee to form Marilee gained popularity in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, during the 20th century. It embodies a blend of traditional and more contemporary elements, offering a fresh take on the classic Mary while incorporating the simpler, nature-inspired 'Lee'. Its meaning is often interpreted by combining the meanings of its constituent parts, leading to interpretations like 'star of the sea and meadow' or 'bitter meadow', though 'star of the sea' and 'beloved' (from Mary's association with love and grace) are more commonly cited and preferred.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1950s
    Era:Mid-century, Modern (1980s-2000s)

    Popularity Trends

    Is Marilee Right for Your Baby?

    Marilee is a Friendly, Classic, Gentle name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables3
    LengthLong
    International UseRegional
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Marilee Is Used

    Latin American / Hispanic
    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Friendly
    Classic
    Gentle

    Famous People Named Marilee

    • Marilee Jones (former Dean of Admissions at MIT)
    • Marilee Talkington (American actress)
    • Marilee Stepan (American Olympic swimmer)
    • Marilee Fiebig (ex-wife of Robin Thicke)

    Alternative Spellings & Variants

    • Marylee
    • Marilie

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Mari
    Lee
    Rilee
    • Mari
    • Lee

    Marilee in different fonts

    MarileeDancing Script
    MarileeCaveat
    MarileeSatisfy
    MarileePacifico
    MarileeGreat Vibes

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Marilee

    What does Marilee mean?

    Marilee means "star of the sea and bitter, or beloved". It is derived from Hebrew and Latin (combination).

    What is the origin of Marilee?

    Marilee originates from Hebrew, Latin, Old English. Its cultural origin is Hebrew and Latin (combination).

    Is Marilee a male or female name?

    Marilee is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Marilee?

    Marilee is pronounced "MAIR-uh-lee".

    What language does Marilee come from?

    Marilee comes from Hebrew, Latin, Old English.

    Is Marilee a popular name?

    Marilee is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are nicknames for Marilee?

    Common nicknames for Marilee include Mari, Lee, Rilee.

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