Idalee is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by author Harriette Lyle, who used it for the main character in her 1920 novel "Idalee." The name has since gained popularity as a girl's name in the United States.
The meaning of Idalee is not well-documented, as it was likely invented by Ms. Lyle without a specific meaning attached to it. However, some people have interpreted it as a blend of two names: Ida and Lee. In this context, Ida is derived from the German word "Ida," which means "labor" or "work," while Lee has several possible origins, including being short for names like Melissa or Leandra.
There is not much historical information about Idalee beyond its use in Harriette Lyle's novel. However, it is worth noting that the name has been used sporadically throughout the 20th and 21st centuries in the United States. According to some sources, Idalee peaked in popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s but has since become quite rare.
In popular culture, there is no significant association with Idalee aside from its use in Harriette Lyle's novel. However, it should be noted that the name was also used by singer-songwriter Billie Eilish for her dog, suggesting that even today, Idalee remains a unique and memorable choice.
The name Idalee has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years, with periods of increased usage around 1913-1914, 1924-1927, and 1938-1944, as well as a recent resurgence in the early 2000s. However, it has not maintained consistent high popularity, with some years showing only one or no births recorded at all.