What does Mollie mean and where does it come from?
Mollie is a diminutive form of the name Mary, which has its origins in Hebrew (מִרְיָם, Miriam) meaning 'bitter' or 'sea of bitterness.' The name has been used since the Middle Ages and remains popular today. Its popularity surged in the 19th century and has had many variations such as Molly and Mol
Cultural significance
Mollie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #79 in 1884 — currently #1116 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mollie?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mollie?
Mollie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mollie Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mollie Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mollie Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mollie Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mollie Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mollie Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mollie right now?
Rising fast — up 88 spots — currently #1116 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1116 | 212 | ▲ up 88 · +8% births |
| 2024 | #1204 | 197 | ▼ down 59 · -8% births |
| 2023 | #1145 | 213 | ▲ up 81 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #1226 | 197 | ▼ down 46 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #1180 | 207 | ▼ down 92 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #1088 | 223 | ▼ down 101 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #987 | 272 | ▼ down 312 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #675 | 428 | ▲ up 64 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #739 | 365 | ▼ down 160 · -19% births |
| 2000 | #579 | 448 | ▼ down 38 · +2% births |
| 1995 | #541 | 438 | ▼ down 76 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #465 | 527 | ▲ up 54 · +36% births |
| 1985 | #519 | 387 | ▲ up 117 · +35% births |
| 1980 | #636 | 286 | ▲ up 38 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #674 | 222 | — |
The story of Mollie
Mollie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #79 in 1884. A total of 47,176 babies have received this name. Once ranked #81 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1145 in 2023. Mollie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mollie in 1884:
Mollie by decade
Mollie peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,471 | |
| 1890s | 3,609 | |
| 1900s | 3,480 | |
| 1910s ★ | 5,789 | |
| 1920s | 4,501 | |
| 1930s | 2,780 | |
| 1940s | 2,314 | |
| 1950s | 2,018 | |
| 1960s | 1,459 | |
| 1970s | 2,132 | |
| 1980s | 3,530 | |
| 1990s | 4,659 | |
| 2000s | 3,945 | |
| 2010s | 3,266 | |
| 2020s | 632 | |
What are good nicknames for Mollie?
What names sound and feel like Mollie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mollie also consider these
How is Mollie written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mollie
What does the name Mollie mean?
Mollie means "bitter" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Mollie?
Mollie is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Mollie?
Mollie originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Mollie a common or rare name?
Mollie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Mollie more of a girl or boy name?
Mollie is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.