Girl · 354th of 9,107
Dolly
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
20,523
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1926
Peak Popularity Year
395
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Dolly stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Dolly is derived from the Greek name Dorothea, meaning 'gift of God', and has evolved through Old English as Dorothy before becoming the popular name Dolly. It is associated with warmth and affection and has gained recognition through notable figures such as Dolly Parton.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɒli/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Dolly is often considered a diminutive form of the name Dorothy, which comes from the Greek name Dorothea, meaning 'gift of God'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Dorothea (Greek), Dorothy (Old English), Dolly (English)
Historical Usage
Dolly gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a familiar or affectionate form of Dorothy.
Variants & Derivatives
Doll, Dolly Mae, Dollie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Dolly is perceived as a charming and friendly name, often associated with warmth and affection.
Famous People
Dolly Parton, American singer and songwriter, Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 395 peak births in 1926
Geographic Spread
Popular across 40 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6687th of 7545 | 10 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4794th of 6773 | 29 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 354th of 9107 | 6,193 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 390th of 9204 | 5,462 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 622nd of 12526 | 4,319 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1167th of 19264 | 1,624 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2565th of 27321 | 708 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6663rd of 35406 | 283 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2645th of 30306 | 794 |