Dr Evans implied he didn't think people in the 1820s used -lee as an elaboration
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/fact/322573
It wouldn't surprise me if the name "
Lee" could have made it feel more fashionable to CW-era Southerners, too, but I doubt that's anything to do with the origin.
This person has an interesting theory about it:
https://appellationmountain.net/paralee-baby-name-of-the-day/
- mirfak