Onnalee is a unique and captivating female given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "onah," which translates to "strong-willed" or "obstinate." This name is believed to have been popularized by the character Onnalee, played by actress Lina Olin in the 2001 psychological thriller film "The One." While it may not be a traditional Hebrew name, Onnalee has gained recognition and popularity as a distinctive and powerful-sounding choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful moniker for their daughter.
The name Onnalee has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 31 babies born with this name since 1917. In some years, such as 1925 and 1929, there were five births each year, indicating that Onnalee was a popular choice among parents during these times. The popularity of the name even increased briefly in 1931, with six babies being born that year.
Interestingly, the name has seen a resurgence in recent years, with five births recorded in both 2017 and 2019. This shows that while Onnalee may not be one of the most popular names currently, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
Overall, while the total number of births for the name Onnalee is relatively small compared to more common names, its appearance in various years throughout history indicates that it has been appreciated by parents for nearly a century. With its recent resurgence, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues and whether the name gains further popularity in the coming years.