Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Molly is a diminutive of Mary with Hebrew roots meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness'. The name has evolved from Miriam to Mary, then to Moll, and finally to Molly. It gained popularity in the 16th century and is seen as friendly and charming today. There is no direct biblical relevance, and it remains widely used in various cultures.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɒli/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Molly is often considered a diminutive form of the name Mary, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness'. It may also be connected to the Hebrew name Miriam.
Meaning
sea of bitterness, rebelliousness
Language Evolution
Miriam, Mary, Moll, Molly
Historical Usage
The name Molly gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 16th century, often used in literature and as a term of endearment.
Variants & Derivatives
Moll, Mollie, Mary
Modern Popularity & Image
Molly is currently perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and charm.
Famous People
Molly Ringwald, Molly Shannon, Molly Weasley
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,663 peak births in 1991
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4832nd of 10718 | 72 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4234th of 16616 | 186 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9358th of 24088 | 97 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 380th of 9107 | 5,345 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 379th of 9204 | 5,899 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 345th of 12526 | 12,665 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 208th of 19264 | 23,097 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 101st of 27321 | 50,285 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 100th of 35406 | 53,477 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 151st of 30306 | 22,922 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
50.17% 2606th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
52.56% 3844th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
29.38% 416th/1416 |
19.00% 262nd/1379 |
22.57% 534th/2366 |
26.09% 298th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
25.49% 394th/1546 |
25.64% 399th/1556 |
15.30% 360th/2353 |
17.52% 271st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.20% 294th/2227 |
17.74% 431st/2430 |
12.86% 367th/2853 |
10.56% 293rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.73% 139th/2937 |
7.15% 249th/3483 |
8.16% 287th/3518 |
4.50% 182nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.85% 68th/3685 |
2.03% 91st/4475 |
2.75% 143rd/5194 |
2.09% 132nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.48% 68th/4582 |
1.20% 62nd/5164 |
1.68% 123rd/7313 |
2.12% 158th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
2.84% 113th/3984 |
2.43% 109th/4487 |
2.73% 186th/6822 |
3.55% 223rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4832nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4234th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9358th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 380th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 379th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 345th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 208th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 101st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 100th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 151st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.