Holding steady.
Popularity of Billye since 1907
Babies named Billye per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 16 |
| 1910s | 172 |
| 1920s | 1,088 |
| 1930s | 876 |
| 1940s | 609 |
| 1950s | 316 |
| 1960s | 118 |
| 1970s | 97 |
| 1980s | 54 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Billye is a rare feminine name that saw its highest usage in 1929, its peak year, according to Social Security data. Although it has never ranked among the top 1000 names, it has shown a stable trajectory since then, with occasional births recorded each year. As of 2025, the name remains uncommon, reflecting a classic yet underused choice. The name likely originated as a variant of Billie, drawing from the masculine Billy, and exemplifies early 20th century naming trends that adapted traditional male names for girls through spelling modifications. Unlike many similar names that experienced revivals, Billye has not re-entered popular use, maintaining a steady but low profile.
Billye is a phonetic spelling of Billy, which is a common diminutive of William. William is of Germanic origin, from willa 'will, desire' and helm 'helmet, protection'. The name has been used in England since the Norman Conquest. Billye as a feminine variant likely arose in the early 20th century, reflecting a trend of creating distinct feminine forms by altering the spelling.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Billie, Billy
Variants: Billie
Sibling names for Billye
Names that share Billye's style, for a brother or sister.
