Annalee is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the combination of the Hebrew name Anna and the English word "lee," meaning a meadow or field. The name Anna itself has its roots in the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor."

The earliest known use of the name Annalee can be traced back to the 17th century in England, where it was likely a variation of the more common name Anna. In those times, the addition of descriptive elements like "lee" was a common practice to create unique variations of traditional names.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Annalee in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the name Anna has been mentioned in the Bible as the name of the prophetess who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah in the temple.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Annalee was Annalee Callaway, an English actress born in 1723. She was known for her performances in several plays in London during the mid-18th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Annalee Whitmore Jacoby (1842-1923), an American author and social reformer. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and advocated for better educational opportunities for women.

In the field of literature, Annalee Saxenian (born 1943) is a renowned scholar and author who has written extensively on the impact of immigration on regional economies, particularly in Silicon Valley.

Annalee Newitz (born 1969) is an American journalist, author, and editor known for her work in science fiction and technology writing. She has authored several books, including "Scatter, Adapt, and Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction."

Annalee Van Engelen (born 1981) is a Canadian professional wrestler better known by her ring name, Tenille Dashwood. She has performed in various promotions, including WWE and Impact Wrestling.

While the name Annalee has maintained a consistent presence throughout history, it has never been among the most popular names in any particular era or region.