Emilee is a feminine given name that originates from the French form of the Germanic name Amalrich or Amalric, which is derived from the elements "amal" meaning "work" and "ric" meaning "power". The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 8th century.

The name Emilee is believed to have originated in the Frankish region of modern-day France and Germany. It was initially a masculine name but gradually transitioned into a feminine form over time. The spelling variations include Emelie, Emely, and Emilie.

In medieval times, the name was associated with nobility and strength. Saint Emilie de Vialar, a 19th-century French nun and founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition, was a notable figure who bore this name. Another famous Emilee was Emilie du Châtelet, a French mathematician, physicist, and author who lived from 1706 to 1749 and was known for her translation and commentary on Isaac Newton's work.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Emilee can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "Roman de la Rose" by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. The name also appeared in various literary works throughout the centuries, including plays and novels by renowned authors.

Among the notable historical figures with the name Emilee were Emilie Loring (1889-1951), an American novelist known for her romantic fiction, and Emilie Kempin-Spyri (1853-1901), a Swiss author best known for her children's book "Heidi".

Emilee Clorin Gilmore (1868-1950) was an American author and teacher, while Emilie Flöge (1874-1952) was an Austrian fashion designer and a close companion of the artist Gustav Klimt.