The name Harlee is believed to have originated from the Old English words "here" meaning army and "leah" meaning meadow or clearing. It was primarily used as a surname in medieval England and referred to someone who lived near a meadow where armies would gather or camp.

While the name's origins lie in Old English, some sources suggest it may have been influenced by the Norman French name "Herlioun" or "Herlion", meaning "little army". This variation was likely brought to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and became intertwined with the Old English roots.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Harlee dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a landowner named Herley was listed among the tenants of Oxfordshire. In the 12th century, a knight named Harlee de Millers fought in the Crusades and was mentioned in several chronicles of the time.

In the 13th century, a monk named Harlee of Evesham was renowned for his illuminated manuscripts and calligraphy. His works can still be found in the British Library and Oxford's Bodleian Library.

During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, Sir Harlee Stafford was a prominent Yorkist knight who fought alongside Edward IV at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471.

In the 16th century, Harlee Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, served as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal under Queen Elizabeth I. He is known for his essays and influential works on law and philosophy.

Moving forward to the 17th century, Harlee Vere was an English naval officer and explorer who led several expeditions to the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico. He was knighted by King James I for his services to the crown.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Harlee, showcasing its longevity and roots in medieval England.