The name Maylee is a modern English variant of the French name Maili, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Marie. The name Marie has its origins in the Hebrew name Miryam, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian words "mr" meaning "beloved" and "ym" meaning "sea". The name Miryam was later Latinized to Maria.

The earliest recorded use of the name Marie dates back to the 1st century AD, when it was borne by Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ in the New Testament of the Bible. Due to the significance of this figure in Christianity, the name Marie became popular throughout Europe and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Maylee can be found in England in the 16th century, when it was used as a pet form of Marie. However, it was not until the 19th century that the spelling "Maylee" became more prevalent.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Maylee or its variants. In the 12th century, Maylis de Cressac was a French noblewoman and heiress who inherited vast estates in the Limousin region of France. In the 16th century, Maili de Gournay was a French writer and feminist who was the adopted daughter of the philosopher Michel de Montaigne.

In the 19th century, Mayli Spencer was an American educator and abolitionist who founded the Hartsville Female College in South Carolina in 1854. In the early 20th century, Mayli Zis was a Russian-American actress and dancer who appeared in several Broadway productions and Hollywood films.

More recently, Mayli Vanegas Arévalo was a Colombian politician and human rights activist who served as a senator and advocated for the rights of indigenous communities in the 1990s.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Maylee or its variants throughout history, showcasing its enduring popularity and significance across various cultures and time periods.