Pollie
A form of Polly, meaning 'bitter'
American origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1942US 2023
258Births / yr
Stable
1.3kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Pollie
PAW·LLEYE
/ˈpɔ.ˈllaɪ/ · stress on PAW · 2 syllables
A form of Polly, meaning 'bitter'
American origin · Girl name

What does Pollie mean and where does it come from?

Pollie is a diminutive form of the name Polly, itself a diminutive of Mary. It has been in use since at least the 17th century and is largely found in English-speaking countries. Notable figures with this name include Pollie Harris, an American activist, and the name has a cheerful, informal connota

Cultural significance
Pollie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of polly, meaning 'bitter'.
Peak popularity
Reached #624 in 1885 — currently #1942 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Pollie?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Pollie?

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

Pollie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pollie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pollie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pollie Claire
French influence · crisp
Pollie Jane
Literary · strong
Pollie Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Pollie
Browse ideas →

How popular is Pollie right now?

Holding steady — currently #1942 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#1942 · Top 1.4%
1910
1915
1920
1925
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1942258▲ up 5 · +8% births
2022#1947238▲ up 5 · +14% births
2021#1952208▲ up 3347 · +2871% births
1965#52997▲ up 1109 · +40% births
1960#64085▼ down 566
1955#58425▼ down 2411 · -50% births
1950#343110▼ down 499
1945#293210▼ down 963 · -41% births
1940#196917▲ up 345 · +31% births
1935#231413▲ up 249 · +8% births
1930#256312▼ down 534 · -37% births
1925#202919▼ down 651 · -42% births
1920#137833▲ up 202 · +50% births
1915#158022▼ down 541 · +22% births
1910#103918

The story of Pollie

Pollie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,265 total births recorded, Pollie remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #919 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1942 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Pollie in 1885:

Pollie by decade

DecadeBirths
1880s86
1890s152
1900s170
1910s198
1920s229
1930s156
1940s129
1950s86
1960s32
1970s22
1980s5
💎With 1,265 total births, Pollie is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Pollie?

Common
PolPoOllie

Common questions about the name Pollie

What does the name Pollie mean?
Pollie means "A form of Polly, meaning 'bitter'" — 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 Pollie?
Pollie 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 Pollie?
Pollie 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.
How do you pronounce the name Pollie?
Pollie is a two-syllable name pronounced P AO1 L L AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Pollie a common or rare name?
Pollie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.