Holding steady.
Popularity of Bee since 1881
Babies named Bee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1991, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bee's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 | 59 |
| 1890s | 40 | 73 |
| 1900s | 99 | 82 |
| 1910s | 181 | 143 |
| 1920s | 83 | 101 |
| 1930s | 35 | 25 |
| 1940s | 19 | 11 |
| 1950s | 21 | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 | 13 |
| 1980s | 52 | 266 |
| 1990s | 59 | 238 |
| 2000s | 0 | 6 |
| 2010s | 8 | 0 |
| 2020s | 54 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bee is a concise nature name that has buzzed through American records since 1881. Its peak came in 1891, when it ranked 497th, and it has remained stable at low usage ever since, never again reaching that rank. The name was first recorded in 1881, reflecting its early adoption as a floral-insect choice. While never widespread, Bee has persisted as a simple, sweet option often given as a nod to the insect or as a diminutive for Beatrice. The trajectory shows a steady but minimal presence, with no recent revival, keeping it a rare find in modern nurseries.
Bee is an English name taken directly from the insect word, used as a given name since the 19th century. It also emerged as a diminutive for names like Beatrice, Beatrix, or Belinda, contributing to its use as a standalone name. The name saw modest popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Sibling names for Bee
Names that share Bee's style, for a brother or sister.
