Billye is a unique and uncommon given name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the traditional female name Billie or Billy, which are pet forms of the name Wilhelmina. The name Wilhelmina is derived from the German masculine name Wilhelm, which means "resolute protection" or "resolute warrior." Therefore, Billye can be interpreted to mean "resolute protection" or "strong-willed."
The use of the name Billye can be traced back to the mid-20th century in the United States. It was often used as a nickname for girls named Wilhelmina or as an independent given name. Despite its American origins, Billye has not been widely popular and is considered quite rare today.
Throughout history, there have been few notable individuals named Billye. One famous example is Billye Campbell, an American jazz singer who gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her distinctive voice and style, often being compared to other great jazz singers of her time.
In literature, the name Billye appears in Tennessee Williams' play "The Night of the Iguana," as one of the characters is named Billye. However, this character's personality and traits are not attributed to the name itself but rather serve the plot of the story.
Overall, Billye is a unique and uncommon given name with American origins. Its meaning reflects strength and determination, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child. While not widely popular today, Billye has a rich history and can be found in various notable figures throughout American culture and literature.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Billye experienced a significant increase in popularity between 1907 and 1927, with a notable peak in 1925 when it reached its highest point with 143 births. However, starting from 1928, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Billye until it reached its lowest point in 1965 with only 8 births.
From 1966 onwards, the name Billye remained relatively stable, with fluctuations between 5 and 14 births per year. Interestingly, there were no recorded births with the name Billye from 1967 to 1968, inclusive. In recent years, the popularity of the name Billye has shown some signs of resurgence, with 7 births recorded in both 1998 and 2003.
In total, over the course of a century (from 1907 to 2003), there were 3,360 babies named Billye born in the United States. While the name's popularity has waxed and waned over time, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout history.