The name Ashlee is a modern English variant of the name Ashley, which originated as an English surname derived from the Old English words "æsc" meaning ash tree and "leah" meaning meadow or clearing. The name Ashley was likely adopted as a given name during the Middle Ages, initially referring to someone who lived near an ash tree meadow.

The earliest known recorded use of the name Ashley as a given name dates back to the 13th century. One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Ashley de Lovent, an English knight who lived during the reign of King Edward I in the late 13th century.

Throughout history, the name Ashley was predominantly used as a masculine name, but over time it also gained popularity as a feminine name. One of the earliest known women to bear the name was Ashley Wilkes, a fictional character from the novel "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, published in 1936.

Ashlee, with the alternative spelling, emerged as a distinct feminine variant of Ashley in the 20th century. One of the earliest known individuals with this spelling was Ashlee Gorton, an American actress born in 1968.

Other notable individuals named Ashlee include:

1. Ashlee Simpson, an American singer and actress born in 1984, best known for her albums "Autobiography" and "I Am Me."

2. Ashlee Baracy, an American ice hockey player born in 1988, who has represented the United States in several international competitions.

3. Ashlee Keating, an Australian model and television personality born in 1985, known for her appearances on reality shows like "The Big Adventure" and "The Celebrity Apprentice Australia."

4. Ashlee Margolis, an American actress born in 1989, known for her roles in television series such as "The Goldbergs" and "Modern Family."

5. Ashlee Anstadt, an American beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss America 2023.

While the name Ashlee has its origins in English language and culture, it has gained popularity across various regions and continues to be used as a feminine given name in modern times.