Wylee is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is believed to have been created as a modern respelling of the classic Welsh name "Gwyl" which means "feast". This name has its roots in Celtic culture and tradition, with Gwyl being celebrated as one of the four main festivals in the ancient Welsh calendar.
The spelling Wylee was likely popularized by American author Jack Kerouac who used it as a character's name in his novel "Big Sur". The name is also sometimes associated with the Native American tribe known as the Wyandot, although there is no direct connection between the two.
Wylee is considered to be both a masculine and feminine name, with its popularity being quite rare. It may appeal to those who are looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child, or those who wish to honor Celtic heritage without using a more traditional Welsh name. Despite its rarity, Wylee has been used as a given name in the United States since at least the late 1950s.
In terms of its meaning and significance, Wylee carries the same connotation as its Welsh counterpart Gwyl - that of celebration and festivity. It may evoke images of joyous gatherings, feasting, and merriment, reflecting the spirit of the ancient Celtic festivals that it is derived from.
Overall, Wylee is a distinctive and unique name with a rich cultural history behind it. Its uncommon spelling makes it stand out from other names, while its Celtic roots give it depth and meaning beyond just its sound.
Statistics on the given name Wylee show an interesting pattern over time. Between 1979 and 2023, there were a total of 406 babies born with this unique name across the United States.
The popularity of the name fluctuated year by year. The earliest recorded births were in 1979, with five newborns named Wylee. This number remained relatively stable over the following years until it started to increase gradually around the late 1990s and early 2000s.
From 2004 onwards, we observe a steady rise in the number of babies named Wylee annually. The highest peaks were reached in recent years: 27 births in 2013, 26 births in 2016, and most recently, 20 births in 2022. This indicates that the name has gained popularity over time among parents looking for distinctive names for their children.
Despite some variations in popularity, Wylee continues to be a unique choice among baby names in the United States, with a steady presence throughout the decades.