Holding steady.
Popularity of Billee since 1915
Babies named Billee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Billee's real moment was 1929.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 50 |
| 1920s | 153 |
| 1930s | 114 |
| 1940s | 71 |
| 1950s | 85 |
| 1960s | 72 |
| 1970s | 32 |
| 1980s | 17 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Billee first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1915, a time when diminutive names like Billie were gaining popularity as feminine given names. Its peak year came in 1929, reflecting the trend of using boyish nicknames for girls during the Jazz Age. Despite its early 20th-century charm, Billee has never been a common name; it has not ranked in the top 1000 since at least the 1950s. In recent decades, its usage has remained stable but very rare. The name's appeal lies in its vintage, spunky feel, reminiscent of an era when names like Billie, Bobbie, and Frankie were fashionable for girls.
Billee is a variant spelling of Billie, a feminine diminutive of Bill, which originated as a nickname for William. William derives from the Old Norman French name Willaume, composed of the Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'resolute protector' or 'strong-willed warrior'. The spelling Billee was occasionally used in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, as a more phonetic or decorative alternative to Billie.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Billee
Names that share Billee's style, for a brother or sister.
