Lee

Updated: September 28, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Lee is an extremely popular name in the United States, as a given name, a surname, and even a middle name. As a matter of fact, it may be more common as a middle name or surname in modern times. It's used for both boys and girls, though this spelling is more common for boys. The fact that it's short and to the point makes it quite versatile, so feel free to use it however you like.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Lee:

Lee is an English surname that's derived from the word “lēah”. Lēah meant “clearing” or “meadow.” As a surname, it was first spelled “de la Leie” during the 12th century. The exact location of this name's origin is undecided, but it has been traced to either Great Britain or Ireland. Lee can be a nickname for names like Ashley, Leslie, and Kimberley.

Symbolism of the Name Lee:

The baby name Lee's popularity as a given name, middle name, and surname mean that many people often choose it as a gesture to honor another relative or loved one. When it started as a place name it was considered a good place to build a village, so it could be a symbol of a new start or a strong foundation for a new life.

Nicknames for the Name Lee:

Since Lee is such a short name, finding nicknames is a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few options available. Many of these are quite simple, and are easily connectable to your child's given name. We've taken the difficulty out of finding a great nickname for Lee by compiling the best options right here:

El
Lee-lee
Leezy
Leo
Bee
Leester
Lele
L-Man

Style of the Name Lee:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Lee:

Lee is a name for both boys and girls.

Pronunciation of the Name Lee:

LEE

Number of Syllables in the Name Lee:

One

Emotion Evoked from the Name Lee:

The baby name Lee evokes images of someone who is hopeful and has big dreams.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Lee:

Leigh
Lea

Popularity of the Name Lee:

For boys, Lee has been a top 1,000 baby name for as long as the Social Security Administration has been keeping up with given names. Up until 1955, it was even a top 100 baby name for boys. It last ranked at number 697 for boys in 2022. For girls, Lee was a top 1,000 baby name up until 1990. It last ranked at 957 in 1990. As of 2022, Lee is not among the top 1,000 baby girl names.