Find out how popular the first name Jennilee has been for the last 31 years (from 1981 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jennilee by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Jennilee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jennilee.

The history of the first name Jennilee

The given name Jennilee is a relatively modern combination of the names Jennifer and Lee. It first emerged in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century, possibly as a creative blend aiming to create a distinctive feminine name.

The name Jennifer itself is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which combines the elements "gwen" meaning fair or white, and "hwyfar" meaning smooth or soft. It was popularized in the English-speaking world through its association with the character of Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur in Arthurian legends.

The name Lee, on the other hand, has its roots in the Old English word "leah," meaning a meadow or a clearing in a forest. It was originally a surname but later gained popularity as a given name, particularly as a masculine name.

While there are no known historical references or ancient texts that specifically mention the name Jennilee, its components, Jennifer and Lee, have been used separately throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jennifer can be found in the Welsh manuscript known as the "Black Book of Carmarthen," dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century. This manuscript contains a poem that mentions the name Gwenhwyfar, the Welsh form of Jennifer.

As for the name Lee, it has been used as a surname in England since the 12th century, with notable historical figures bearing this name, such as Sir Henry Lee (1533-1611), a prominent courtier and military commander during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

While the name Jennilee itself is relatively new and its usage as a given name is not widespread, there are a few notable individuals who have borne this name:

1. Jennilee Murray, a Canadian actress known for her roles in television series such as "Heartland" and "Supernatural."
2. Jennilee Glasgow, an American artist and illustrator known for her work in children's books and comics.
3. Jennilee Toner, an American volleyball player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
4. Jennilee Robinson, a Canadian singer and songwriter who has released several albums in the country music genre.
5. Jennilee Braid, a Canadian model and social media influencer.

It is important to note that the name Jennilee, being a modern combination, does not have a long historical tradition or widespread usage across cultures. Its popularity and significance are relatively recent and limited to certain regions and communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jennilee was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jennilee, please contact us.

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