The name Annalee is a charming and elegant choice for a baby girl. It carries a beautiful meaning and has a gentle, melodic sound. If you’re considering Annalee for your daughter, you’re likely drawn to its classic yet slightly unique appeal.
The Meaning of Annalee
Annalee carries a significant and uplifting meaning: "He (God) has favored me." This meaning is derived from its Hebrew origins, connecting it to themes of grace, divine blessing, and gratitude. The name suggests a sense of being cherished and fortunate, making it a lovely sentiment to bestow upon your child.
Origin and Etymology
Annalee is often considered a combination name, blending the classic name "Anna" with the popular suffix "-lee." Anna itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace." The addition of "-lee" adds a touch of modernity and sweetness to the traditional name.
A Glimpse at Annalee’s Popularity
How popular is the name Annalee in recent years? Let’s explore its historical trends based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1921 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1922 | 1,303 | 11 | 0.001% |
| 1923 | 1,346 | 10 | 0.0009% |
| 1924-1925 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1925 | 1,464 | 7 | 0.0006% |
| 1926-1933 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1934 | 1,522 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1935 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1936 | 1,501 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1937-1941 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1942 | 1,633 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1943 | 1,605 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1944-1957 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1958 | 2,219 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1959-1962 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1963 | 2,041 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1964-1971 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1972 | 2,488 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1973 | 2,532 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1974 | 2,244 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1975-1977 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1978 | 2,465 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1979 | 2,196 | 12 | 0.0009% |
| 1980 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1981 | 2,452 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1982 | 2,104 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1983 | 2,206 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1984 | 2,837 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1985 | 2,719 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1986 | 2,389 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1987 | 2,086 | 18 | 0.0012% |
| 1988 | 2,618 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1989 | 2,648 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1990 | 2,418 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 1991 | 2,233 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 1992 | 1,911 | 32 | 0.002% |
| 1993 | 2,472 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1994 | 2,191 | 22 | 0.0014% |
| 1995 | 2,191 | 21 | 0.0014% |
| 1996 | 2,107 | 24 | 0.0016% |
| 1997 | 2,113 | 25 | 0.0017% |
| 1998 | 1,671 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 1999 | 1,869 | 36 | 0.0024% |
| 2000 | 1,675 | 52 | 0.0034% |
| 2001 | 2,007 | 35 | 0.0023% |
| 2002 | 1,776 | 48 | 0.0032% |
| 2003 | 1,693 | 56 | 0.0037% |
| 2004 | 1,591 | 65 | 0.0043% |
| 2005 | 1,725 | 56 | 0.0037% |
| 2006 | 1,912 | 46 | 0.0029% |
| 2007 | 1,554 | 81 | 0.0051% |
| 2008 | 1,384 | 107 | 0.0069% |
| 2009 | 1,164 | 153 | 0.0102% |
| 2010 | 1,054 | 172 | 0.0119% |
| 2011 | 1,092 | 160 | 0.0112% |
| 2012 | 883 | 233 | 0.0164% |
| 2013 | 879 | 230 | 0.0162% |
| 2014 | 890 | 237 | 0.0163% |
| 2015 | 847 | 259 | 0.0178% |
| 2016 | 821 | 274 | 0.019% |
| 2017 | 861 | 237 | 0.017% |
| 2018 | 887 | 223 | 0.0162% |
| 2019 | 986 | 178 | 0.0131% |
| 2020 | 1,114 | 160 | 0.0126% |
| 2021 | 1,158 | 142 | 0.0116% |
| 2022 | 1,290 | 130 | 0.0099% |
| 2023 | 1,182 | 150 | 0.0116% |
Analysis:
- Early 20th Century: Annalee was rarely used, with no recorded births in many years between 1910 and 1921.
- Mid-20th Century: The name saw sporadic usage but never achieved significant popularity.
- Late 20th Century: There was a gradual increase in popularity starting in the 1980s and 1990s.
- 21st Century: Annalee has experienced a moderate level of popularity, consistently ranking within the top 1200 names. It reached its peak in 2016, with a rank of 821 and 274 births. Although the popularity has fluctuated in recent years, it remains a well-liked choice.
Names Similar to Annalee
If you appreciate the sound and style of Annalee, you might also consider these similar names:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Analee: A simple variation with the same meaning, "favored grace."
- Annalie: Emphasizes the "Anna" component, meaning "graced with God’s bounty."
Similar Names:
- Adalee: "God is my refuge; noble one."
- Ainslee/Aynslee: "Only hermitage wood or clearing." Note that Ainslee can also be a boy’s name.
- Amalee: "Industrious, striving; work."
- Angelee: "Messenger; messenger of God."
- Annabel: "Lovable." A classic and charming choice.
- Annaelle: Shares the same core meaning as Annalee, "He (God) has favored me."
- Annaliese/Annalise: "Graced with God’s bounty" or "Created name," respectively. Both are elegant and sophisticated.
- Annamae: A sweet combination of Anna and Mae.
- Annelie: Another variation of "graced with God’s bounty."
- Annelle: "He (God) has favored me."
- Annslea: "Hermitage field." Note that Annslea can also be a boy’s name.
- Ashalee: "Ash meadow."
- Atalee/Athalee: "The Lord is exalted."
- Auralee
- Avalee
- Dannalee
- Donnalee: "Lady."
- Hanalee: "He (God) has favored me."
- Janalee/Jannalee: "God is gracious."
- Jenalee
- Jennalee: "Heaven."
Choosing Annalee: Is It Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to name your baby Annalee is a personal one. Consider the following:
- Meaning: Does the meaning "He (God) has favored me" resonate with you and your values?
- Sound: Do you like the gentle, melodic sound of Annalee?
- Popularity: Are you comfortable with a name that is moderately popular but not overly common?
- Alternatives: Do any of the similar names appeal to you more?
If you find that Annalee ticks all the right boxes, it could be the perfect name for your little girl, bestowing upon her a sense of grace, blessing, and individuality.
Conclusion
Annalee is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history and a gentle, appealing sound. Its Hebrew roots and the sentiment "He (God) has favored me" make it a wonderful choice for parents seeking a name that conveys blessings and grace. While not overly common, Annalee has enjoyed steady popularity in recent years, making it a familiar yet unique option for your daughter.