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.
Over the span of a century (1907-2003), the name Billye experienced significant popularity fluctuations, with its highest peak in 1925 having 143 births, and its lowest troughs occurring from the mid-1980s onwards, with as few as 5 births annually. The total number of births registered for this name over these years amounted to 3360.