What does Molly mean and where does it come from?
Molly is derived from the name Mary, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'bitter' but has come to symbolize a 'wished-for child' in English contexts. Molly was extremely popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to be a favored name to this day. Notably, Molly Ringwald is a famous actress as
Cultural significance
Molly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wished-for child.
Peak popularity
Reached #74 in 1991 — currently #208 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Molly?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Molly?
Molly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Molly Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Molly Rose
Floral · soft ending
Molly Mae
Sweet · timeless
Molly Claire
French influence · crisp
Molly Jane
Literary · strong
Molly Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Molly right now?
Declining — down 9 spots — currently #208 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #208 | 1,437 | ▼ down 9 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #199 | 1,481 | ▼ down 13 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #186 | 1,582 | ▼ down 12 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #174 | 1,635 | ▼ down 30 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #144 | 2,252 | ▼ down 57 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #87 | 3,362 | ▲ up 10 · +5% births |
| 2005 | #97 | 3,214 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2000 | #95 | 3,399 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 1995 | #98 | 3,382 | ▼ down 18 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #80 | 3,965 | ▲ up 40 · +63% births |
| 1985 | #120 | 2,431 | ▲ up 13 · +10% births |
| 1980 | #133 | 2,203 | ▲ up 37 · +42% births |
| 1975 | #170 | 1,548 | ▲ up 88 · +30% births |
| 1970 | #258 | 1,193 | ▲ up 6 · +12% births |
| 1965 | #264 | 1,063 | — |
The story of Molly
Molly has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #74 in 1991. More than 168,853 babies have been named Molly since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #400 in 1880 to #208 in 2023. Molly is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Molly in 1991:
Molly by decade
Molly peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 306 | |
| 1890s | 454 | |
| 1900s | 803 | |
| 1910s | 2,447 | |
| 1920s | 2,796 | |
| 1930s | 3,119 | |
| 1940s | 4,162 | |
| 1950s | 6,458 | |
| 1960s | 9,370 | |
| 1970s | 15,785 | |
| 1980s | 26,036 | |
| 1990s ★ | 36,616 | |
| 2000s | 33,318 | |
| 2010s | 25,548 | |
| 2020s | 1,635 | |
What are good nicknames for Molly?
What names sound and feel like Molly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Molly also consider these
How is Molly written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Molly
What does the name Molly mean?
Molly means "wished-for child" — a name rooted in English 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 Molly?
Molly is currently ranked #208 in the United States 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 Molly?
Molly originates from English tradition. English 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 Molly?
Molly is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Molly more of a girl or boy name?
Molly is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.