Klee

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLAY /ˈkleɪ/Medium

Meaning: Klee is a short name tied to the German surname Klee, meaning 'clover' — famously borne by the artist Paul Klee. It also reads as a modern coinage. Used here for a girl, though it leans surname and cross-sex. Routes uncertain here.Low

In 30 seconds: A clean one-beat name: Klee is a German surname for 'clover,' known via artist Paul Klee (said 'KLAY'). Surname/coinage; routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowGerman, English

MeaningKlee is a short name tied to the German surname Klee, meaning 'clover' — famously borne by the artist Paul Klee. It also reads as a modern coinage. Used here for a girl, though it leans surname and cross-sex. Routes uncertain here.

U.S. rank (2024)#12791 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 380

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a girl's name Klee draws on the German surname Klee, 'clover,' carried into fame by the artist Paul Klee; it also reads as a modern coinage. A short, artful pick that leans surname and cross-sex. Routes uncertain, which we note (said 'KLAY').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, artful, and crisp.

Did you know? Klee is a German surname meaning 'clover,' most famous through the painter Paul Klee. As a first name it reads as a crisp, modern pick or a coinage; it leans surname and cross-sex, which we note (said 'KLAY').

Overall data confidence 36%

References — Klee — German surname 'clover' (Paul Klee) / coinage; cross-sex; routes uncertain

Variations

CleaCleoKlea

Nicknames

KikiLee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Kimberlee— lands in the same popularity range

Kaizlee— echoes that soft -ee sound

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By themeuncertain surname cross-sex one-syllable

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Klee mean?

Klee is a German surname meaning 'clover' (borne by artist Paul Klee); it also reads as a coinage. Routes are uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Klee?

It's said KLAY /ˈkleɪ/ — one syllable, in the German manner.

Is Klee a boy or girl name?

Klee is used for both; it leans surname and cross-sex — we note the lean.

How popular is Klee?

Klee is a rare name for girls in the U.S.