Lee

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEE /liː/High

Meaning: From Old English leah meaning 'meadow,' 'clearing,' or 'woodland clearing'; one of the most common English place-name elements; also used as a surname and given name across many culturesHigh

In 30 seconds: Lee is one of the simplest, cleanest names in the English language — one syllable, four letters, old as the hills. It has been used for boys since the 19th century, carrying the quiet dignity of the American South through Robert E. Lee.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningFrom Old English leah meaning 'meadow,' 'clearing,' or 'woodland clearing'; one of the most common English place-name elements; also used as a surname and given name across many cultures

U.S. rank (2025)#727 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births366 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1951

Total births (all-time)≈ 233,622

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lee is derived from the Old English leah, one of the most common elements in English place names and surnames. As a given name it became popular in the United States in the 19th century, partly inspired by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, whose surname became a tribute name in the South.

Lee has been consistently used for boys and girls in the United States throughout the 20th century. For boys it peaked in mid-century. It remains a straightforward, unfussy classic with strong American associations and the appealing brevity that suits nickname cultures.

Did you know? The Old English root leah meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing' appears in hundreds of English place names — Hadley, Bradley, Shirley, Ashley, Wesley — making Lee essentially the distilled essence of a naming tradition that has shaped thousands of names over 1,500 years.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Lee — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeighLea

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Robert E. Lee (1807–1870)
American Confederate general during the Civil War.
★Lee Harvey Oswald (1939–1963)
American former Marine who, per the Warren Commission, assassinated President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

If you like Lee…

Ray— shares the crisp one-syllable mid-century American name simplicity

Jay— fellow single-vowel one-syllable name with the same unfussy American classic feel

Cole— parallel one-syllable surname-origin name with clean masculine simplicity

Dean— shares the short, mid-century American masculine name tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lee mean?

Lee means 'meadow' or 'woodland clearing' from Old English leah, one of the most common elements in English place names.

How do you pronounce Lee?

Lee is pronounced LEE /liː/ — one syllable.

Is Lee a boy or girl name?

Lee is used for both boys and girls. As a boys name it has deep American roots; the Leigh spelling is more associated with girls.

Is Lee still used as a first name?

Yes, Lee remains in steady use in the U.S. as a standalone name and as a middle name, valued for its simplicity.