Girl · 3076th of 35,406
Molli
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
1,980
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2014
Peak Popularity Year
63
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Molli 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
Molli is a name with Latin origins, derived from the diminutive form of Mary, meaning gentle or soft. It has evolved through several historical forms, including Miriam and Molly, reflecting a path of linguistic evolution. The name carries traits of warmth and kindness, with no biblical relevance. It gained popularity from the 16th century and has variants like Molly and Moll. Today, Molli is viewed as friendly and approachable, with a moderate presence in contemporary naming trends.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɒli/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Molli is a diminutive form of the name Mary, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam. It has been influenced by the Latin word 'mollis', meaning soft or gentle.
Meaning
gentle, soft
Language Evolution
Miriam (Hebrew), Maria (Latin), Molly (English), Molli (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 16th century as a pet form of Mary. It became more widespread in the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Molly, Mary, Moll
Modern Popularity & Image
Molli is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and kindness. It has maintained a moderate level of popularity in recent years.
Famous People
Molli Milligan, an American singer-songwriter, Molli McGee, known as a popular social media personality
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 63 peak births in 2014
Geographic Spread
Popular across 13 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 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 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6550th of 12526 | 60 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4373rd of 19264 | 212 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2857th of 27321 | 609 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3076th of 35406 | 814 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5425th of 30306 | 285 |