Emilee is a unique and charming name of French origin. It is derived from the French name Émile, which itself is derived from the Latin name Aemilius. The name Aemilius means "rival" or "to strive or excel," indicating that Emilee was meant to be a strong and ambitious individual.
The name Emilee first appeared in France during the Middle Ages, but it did not gain significant popularity until the 19th century. It was popularized by the French writer Gustave Flaubert, who used the name Émile for the main character in his novel "Émile Zola." This novel had a profound impact on French literature and culture, and as a result, many parents began to use Emilee as a girls' name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Emilee. One of the most famous was Émilie du Châtelet, an 18th-century French mathematician, physicist, and writer who made significant contributions to the study of calculus and physics. She is remembered today for her intellectual prowess and her efforts to promote women's education.
Today, Emilee remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by parents who appreciate its unique sound and rich history. It is often associated with creativity, intelligence, and strength of character, thanks in part to the notable individuals throughout history who have borne this name. Overall, Emilee is a charming and distinctive choice for a girl's name that carries with it a deep sense of French culture and heritage.
The name Emilee has been a presence in the United States since at least 1916, with the first recorded birth of an Emilee occurring that year. The popularity of the name varied significantly throughout the early to mid-20th century, with as few as 5 births per year and as many as 14.
The turning point for the name's popularity came in the late 1970s and early 1980s when there was a significant increase in Emilee births. In 1980, there were 105 births, more than double the previous year's number of 45. This trend continued into the 1980s, with peaks of 238 births in 1987 and 392 births in 1990.
The peak popularity of the name Emilee was reached in the mid-1990s. Between 1993 and 1995, there were over 600 births each year. The highest number of births recorded for any single year was 713 in 1995.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Emilee has declined significantly. There were still over 400 births each year from 2000 to 2005, but this number has steadily decreased since then. In recent years, there have been fewer than 300 births per year on average.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Emilee remains a historic and meaningful choice for parents in the United States. As of 2023, there have been a total of 23784 recorded births with the name Emilee in the United States since 1916.