All about the name

Idalee

Female

« Idalee is an American female given name created by author Harriette Lyle for her 1920 novel "Idalee. »

#21113 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Idalee since 1880

Total births
98
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
8 births
in 2020
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+67%
vs previous 5 years