What does Molli mean and where does it come from?
Molli is a variant spelling of Molly, which itself is derived from Mary, meaning 'bitter' in Hebrew, even though many associate it with the Latin name 'Stella Maris', meaning 'Star of the Sea'. The name Molli has a playful and modern appeal, often used in contemporary contexts. It has seen usage in
Cultural significance
Molli has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star of the sea.
Peak popularity
Reached #2335 in 1992 — currently #8802 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Molli?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Molli?
Molli works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Molli Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Molli Rose
Floral · soft ending
Molli Mae
Sweet · timeless
Molli Claire
French influence · crisp
Molli Jane
Literary · strong
Molli Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Molli right now?
Falling — down 445 spots — currently #8802 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8802 | 12 | ▼ down 445 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #8357 | 13 | ▲ up 3486 · +63% births |
| 2021 | #11843 | 8 | ▼ down 5214 · -53% births |
| 2020 | #6629 | 17 | ▼ down 2315 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #4314 | 33 | ▼ down 1097 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #3217 | 51 | ▲ up 61 · +9% births |
| 2005 | #3278 | 47 | ▼ down 409 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #2869 | 50 | ▼ down 371 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #2498 | 51 | ▼ down 51 · +2% births |
| 1990 | #2447 | 50 | ▲ up 1480 · +138% births |
| 1985 | #3927 | 21 | ▲ up 497 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #4424 | 17 | ▲ up 567 · +42% births |
| 1975 | #4991 | 12 | ▼ down 75 · +9% births |
| 1970 | #4916 | 11 | ▲ up 699 · +57% births |
| 1965 | #5615 | 7 | — |
The story of Molli
Molli entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 1,931 total births recorded, Molli remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5283 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8802 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Molli in 1992:
Molli by decade
Molli peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 33 | |
| 1960s | 68 | |
| 1970s | 154 | |
| 1980s | 267 | |
| 1990s ★ | 511 | |
| 2000s | 505 | |
| 2010s | 376 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎With 1,931 total births, Molli is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Molli?
Famous people named Molli
M(
Molli (Renaissance scholar)
Molli used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
M(
Molli (historical Roman figure)
Molli carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
M(
Molli (Roman senator or statesman)
Molli held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Molli?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Molli also consider these
Common questions about the name Molli
What does the name Molli mean?
Molli means "Star of the sea" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Molli?
Molli is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Molli?
Molli originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Molli?
Molli is a two-syllable name pronounced M AO1 L L IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Molli a common or rare name?
Molli is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.