The name Carlee is a modern English variation of the feminine given name Caroline, which has its roots in the Ancient Germanic language. The name Caroline is derived from the masculine name Carolus, the Latin form of Charles, meaning "free man" or "manly." The original Germanic name was Karl, which evolved from the word "karlaz," meaning "warrior" or "husband."

The earliest known use of the name Caroline dates back to the 8th century, when it was borne by Carolingian rulers such as Charlemagne's daughter, Caroline. The name gained widespread popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, particularly in France, Germany, and England.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Carlee was Carlee Jeanette Barnes, an American writer and editor born in 1918. She is best known for her work as an editor at Harper's Magazine and for her novel "The Poplar Blackwood" published in 1954.

Another notable figure was Carlee Remillard, an American actress born in 1922. She had a successful career on Broadway and appeared in several television shows, including "The Untouchables" and "The Fugitive."

In the realm of sports, Carlee Lindsey was an American sprinter who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay.

Carlee Longwell, born in 1950, was an American artist and sculptor known for her abstract and minimalist works. Her sculptures were featured in numerous exhibitions and are part of several museum collections.

Carlee Wilson, born in 1989, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer. She has released several successful albums and has been nominated for multiple awards, including a Juno Award.

It is worth noting that while the name Carlee has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries, its use as a given name has a relatively short history compared to its root name, Caroline, which has been in use for centuries.