Holly
Holly is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Holly tree, evergreen plant with red berries.
Origin and history
Holly is an English name derived from the botanical name for the evergreen tree known for its bright red berries. Historically associated with winter, Christmas, and nature, it became a popular given name in the 20th century. In the United States, it remains a familiar traditional staple with moderate contemporary usage.
Popularity in the United States
205,304 babies in the United States have been named Holly since 1880. It ranks #197 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #440.
States where it is most popular
- CA (8.3 %)
- OH (6.5 %)
- TX (6 %)
- PA (5.8 %)
- NY (5.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 30 |
| 1900-1910 | 35 |
| 1910-1920 | 133 |
| 1920-1930 | 199 |
| 1930-1940 | 415 |
| 1940-1950 | 3,961 |
| 1950-1960 | 18,633 |
| 1960-1970 | 32,144 |
| 1970-1980 | 50,464 |
| 1980-1990 | 49,653 |
| 1990-2000 | 27,072 |
| 2000-2010 | 11,597 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,785 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,183 |
Famous people named Holly
- Holly Hunter: Actress, Producer
- Holly Robinson Peete: Actress, Singer
- Holly Holm: MMA Fighter, Boxer
Fun facts
- The name comes directly from the Old English word 'holegn', referring to the holly tree.
- Due to its winter foliage, Holly has long been a popular choice for children born around Christmastime.