The name Charlee is an English variant of the French name Charles, which originated from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "manly." The name was derived from the Old English word "carl," which was used to refer to free men of humble birth.

The name Charles gained popularity in Western Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly after the reign of Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, the King of the Franks who ruled from 768 to 814 AD. Charlemagne's name was a combination of the Old Frankish words "karl" and "maht," meaning "strength" or "power."

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Charlee can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appeared as "Carlot," a diminutive form of Charles.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Charlee or its variants. One of the most famous was Charles V (1500-1558), the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, who ruled over a vast empire that spanned much of Europe and the Americas. Another notable figure was Charles Dickens (1812-1870), the renowned English novelist who wrote classics such as "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Great Expectations."

In the realm of science, Charles Darwin (1809-1882), the English naturalist and author of "On the Origin of Species," made significant contributions to the theory of evolution. In the field of music, Charles Mingus (1922-1979) was an influential American jazz bassist and composer known for his innovative and politically charged works.

One cannot forget the iconic American singer-songwriter Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), whose silent films and physical comedy have left an indelible mark on the art of cinema.

While the name Charlee has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, it has remained a popular choice for both boys and girls, reflecting its rich history and cultural significance across different regions and eras.