Molley

“Star of the sea”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1945US 2023

255Births / yr

→Stable

231All-time births

📅 Since 191800

What does Molley mean and where does it come from?

Molley is a variant of the name Molly, which is derived from the name Mary. The name Mary has origins in multiple languages including Hebrew (מרים) and possibly Egyptian. The meaning 'Star of the Sea' has been widely adopted in folklore and literature. It has gained popularity especially in the Unit

Cultural significance

Molley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star of the sea.

Peak popularity

Reached #4270 in 1918 — currently #1945 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Molley?

Molley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Molley Grace

How popular is Molley right now?

Holding steady — currently #1945 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1945 · Top 1.4%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1945	255	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2022	#1950	235	▲ up 5 · +15% births
2021	#1955	205	▲ up 8570 · +1950% births
2010	#10525	10	▼ down 1582 · -17% births
2005	#8943	12	▼ down 333 · +9% births
2000	#8610	11	▲ up 268 · +22% births
1995	#8878	9	▲ up 505 · +13% births
1990	#9383	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Molley

Best Year2023Rank #1945

Peak Count255

Average Rank#6524

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20238 years

The story of Molley

Molley entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 231 total births recorded, Molley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9383 in 1990 to #1945 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Molley in 1918:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Molley by decade

Molley peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	7
1920s	5
1970s	5
1980s	22
1990s ★	86
2000s	79
2010s	27

💎Molley has only 231 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Molley?

Common

MolMoOlley

What names sound and feel like Molley?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Molley also consider these

Mosley

American · Mouth of the

Motley

American · variegated, diverse

Moxley

American · from the moor

Holley

American · hollow

Dolley

American · Gift of God

Polley

American · A variation of

Morley

England · From the marshy

Mollee

American · A diminutive form

Common questions about the name Molley

What does the name Molley mean?

Molley means "Star of the sea" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Molley?

Molley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Molley?

Molley originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Molley a common or rare name?

Molley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Molley?

Molley naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.