Kellee is a unique and exotic feminine given name of American origin. It was created in the late 20th century by author and screenwriter Nicholas Sparks as the name for one of his characters, Kellee Dawn McCarthy, in his novel "The Notebook". The character's name gained popularity among the public after the publication of the book and subsequent release of its film adaptation.
Prior to its use in "The Notebook", there is no evidence of the name Kellee being used as a given name for girls. However, it is possible that Sparks was inspired by similar-sounding names such as Kelly or Kelli, which were popular during that time.
As for the meaning and history behind the name Kellee, there is no documented etymology associated with it. Since it was created by an author as a character's name, its meaning may be open to interpretation. Some people believe that Sparks chose the name to reflect his character's Southern heritage or her fiery personality, but this has not been confirmed.
Despite its mysterious origins and lack of traditional meaning, Kellee has become a popular choice for parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their daughters. According to some sources, it has even made an appearance on Social Security Administration's list of the most popular baby girl names in the United States.
In summary, Kellee is a modern American feminine given name created by author Nicholas Sparks for his novel "The Notebook". Its meaning and history are largely unknown, but its unique sound and association with a beloved character have contributed to its popularity as a given name for girls.
The name Kellee has been a rare choice among parents in the United States over the past few decades, with only a small number of babies given this name each year. According to available records, there were 5 births with the name Kellee in 1976, and another 5 births in 1985. The peak year for this name was 1994, when there were 6 newborns named Kellee.
Overall, from 1976 to 1994, there were a total of 16 babies born with the name Kellee in the United States. This represents a consistent but not widespread use of the name during this period. Despite its rarity, it is interesting to note that the name Kellee has been consistently chosen by parents over several years, suggesting that some families may have a personal attachment or preference for this unique moniker.