Jelica is a unique and beautiful name of Serbian origin. It is derived from the Serbian word "jelka," which means "spruce" or "pine tree." The name Jelica is often associated with the Serbian tradition of decorating spruce trees for Christmas, known as " jelke."
The name Jelica has a long history in Serbia and other Slavic countries. It was popularized by the famous Serbian poet Laza Kostic, who wrote a poem called "Jelica" about a young girl named Jelica who lived in a small village. The poem tells the story of Jelica's life and her eventual death from consumption, and it has become one of the most beloved works in Serbian literature.
Today, Jelica remains a popular name in Serbia and other Slavic countries, often given to girls born around Christmas time or with the intention of bestowing upon them a strong and enduring spirit like that of the spruce tree. Despite its regional popularity, however, Jelica is still relatively rare internationally, making it a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter.
In the United States, the name Jelica has seen a steady but modest presence over the years. According to statistical data from the Social Security Administration, there were 6 babies named Jelica in 1988 and this number increased slightly to 7 babies in 1989. This indicates that while the name is not extraordinarily popular, it is still being chosen by parents for their newborn daughters during these years. Over the two-year period from 1988 to 1989, a total of 13 girls were named Jelica in the United States.