Molly
Molly is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Star of the sea, wished-for child, or bitterness (derived via Mary).
Origin and history
Molly originated as a medieval English diminutive of Mary, which derives from Hebrew. Historically popular in English-speaking countries, it transitioned into an independent given name by the 18th century. In the U.S., it remains a widely recognized and timeless classic for girls.
Popularity in the United States
176,127 babies in the United States have been named Molly since 1880. It ranks #228 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #193.
States where it is most popular
- CA (7.1 %)
- OH (6.4 %)
- NY (6.3 %)
- IL (5.4 %)
- TX (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 306 |
| 1890-1900 | 454 |
| 1900-1910 | 803 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,447 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,797 |
| 1930-1940 | 3,119 |
| 1940-1950 | 4,161 |
| 1950-1960 | 6,458 |
| 1960-1970 | 9,364 |
| 1970-1980 | 15,715 |
| 1980-1990 | 25,891 |
| 1990-2000 | 36,567 |
| 2000-2010 | 33,271 |
| 2010-2019 | 25,553 |
| 2020-2029 | 9,221 |
Famous people named Molly
- Molly Ringwald: Actress, Singer
- Molly Shannon: Actress, Comedian
- Molly Parker: Actress
Nicknames
Moll, Molli
Fun facts
- Molly developed in Middle English from Malle, an early diminutive for Mary.
- Molly Pitcher was a nickname given to a woman said to have fought in the American Revolutionary War.