Whitlee is a unique and captivating female given name of English origin. It is believed to have derived from the surname Whiteley, which itself was an occupational name for a fuller, someone who cleans wool before it is spun into yarn. The name can also be considered a variant spelling of the more common Whitney, which shares the same meaning and origin.
The meaning behind Whitlee is "white meadow," with the prefix "white" referring to the color white, and "-lee" being a suffix derived from the Old English word "-leah," meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow." This charming name evokes images of tranquility and beauty, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The history of Whitlee as a given name is not extensively documented due to its rarity. However, it is believed that the name began to be used as a first name in the late 19th or early 20th century. Despite its scarcity, Whitlee has been bearer by some notable individuals throughout history, such as American actress and singer Whitley Wright, who was born in the mid-20th century.
In literature and popular culture, Whitlee has also made appearances as a character name. For instance, it is the first name of a character in the 2017 young adult novel "The Field Guide to the North American Teenager" by Ben Philippe.
While Whitlee may not be as widely recognized or used as many other names, its unique origin and beautiful meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history. As a given name, Whitlee offers a charming blend of elegance and simplicity that is sure to captivate those who encounter it.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Whitlee has seen a significant increase in popularity among parents in the United States over the past few decades. The number of babies named Whitlee ranged from a low of 6 births in 1995 to a high of 55 births in 2023.
Interestingly, the name's popularity seemed to fluctuate during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the number of annual births ranging between 17 and 27. However, starting around the year 2000, there was a noticeable increase in the name's popularity, with more than 30 babies being named Whitlee each year since then.
The most notable jump occurred between 2016 and 2017, when the number of annual births more than doubled from 31 to 52. This trend has continued into recent years, with 53 births in 2019, 51 births in 2021, and an impressive 55 births in 2023.
Overall, since 1988, there have been a total of 827 babies named Whitlee born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most common names, Whitlee has certainly made its mark on American naming trends over the past few decades. It will be interesting to see if this upward trend continues in the coming years and whether Whitlee becomes even more popular among parents choosing a name for their baby girl.