Novalee is a modern invented name that emerged in the late 20th century. It is not derived from any specific language or culture but rather appears to be a creative combination of the English words "nova" meaning "new" and "lee" which can be a surname or a masculine name derived from the Old English word "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing."

The name Novalee does not have any known historical references or appearances in ancient texts, religious scriptures, or historical records prior to its recent coinage. Its origins can be traced back to the United States, where it gained popularity as a feminine given name in the latter part of the 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Novalee can be found in the 2000 novel "Where the Heart Is" by Billie Letts. The book's protagonist, a young pregnant woman named Novalee Nation, played a significant role in popularizing the name.

As for notable individuals bearing the name Novalee, here are a few examples:

1. Novalee Reinhart (born 1977) is an American former pornographic actress and adult film director.

2. Novalee Wicker (born 1994) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League.

3. Novalee Todd (born 1991) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She has released two studio albums, "Novalee" (2014) and "Heartstrings" (2018).

4. Novalee Strickland (born 1988) is an American professional wrestler, known by her ring name Nova. She has performed for various wrestling promotions, including WWE and Ring of Honor.

5. Novalee Burnett (1952-2019) was an American artist and sculptor, known for her large-scale public art installations and sculptures made from recycled materials.

These are some examples of individuals who have borne the name Novalee throughout recent history, though the name remains relatively uncommon and does not have a long historical lineage or cultural background.