“an excessively cheerful or optimistic person” — Symbolizes an optimistic attitude
American origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#10952US 2023
9Births / yr
↑Rising
1.1kAll-time births
📅 Since 191400
How to pronounce Pollyanna
pah·lee·AN·uh
/ˌpɑ.liː.ˈæn.ə/ · stress on AN · 4 syllables
“an excessively cheerful or optimistic person”
Symbolizes an optimistic attitude · American origin
What does Pollyanna mean and where does it come from?
Pollyanna is a distinctly American name that gained popularity from the 1913 novel 'Pollyanna' by Eleanor H. Porter, which tells the story of an optimistic girl who always tries to find something to be glad about. The name symbolizes an optimistic attitude, sometimes to the point of naivety. While t
Cultural significance
Pollyanna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of an excessively cheerful or optimistic person.
Peak popularity
Reached #1567 in 1964 — currently #10952 in the US.
Rising fast — up 62 spots — currently #10952 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1915–2023#10952 · Top 8.1%
1935
1940
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1990
2000
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#10952
9
▲ up 62
2022
#11014
9
▼ down 881 · -10% births
2021
#10133
10
▲ up 2015 · +43% births
2020
#12148
7
▼ down 3184 · -42% births
2015
#8964
12
▲ up 6115 · +100% births
2010
#15079
6
▼ down 1799
2000
#13280
6
▼ down 4688 · -33% births
1990
#8592
9
▼ down 1700
1980
#6892
9
▼ down 4140 · -67% births
1975
#2752
27
▲ up 216 · +17% births
1970
#2968
23
▼ down 540 · -8% births
1965
#2428
25
▲ up 255 · +19% births
1960
#2683
21
▲ up 198 · +110% births
1940
#2881
10
▲ up 1630 · +100% births
1935
#4511
5
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Pollyanna
1920Rank #1706
27
#6667
↘Falling
1915 - 202319 years
The story of Pollyanna
Pollyanna entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 1,066 total births recorded, Pollyanna remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2522 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10952 in 2023.
Pollyanna means "an excessively cheerful or optimistic person" — 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 Pollyanna?
Pollyanna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Pollyanna have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Pollyanna?
Pollyanna 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 Pollyanna?
Pollyanna is a four-syllable name pronounced P AA2 L IY0 AE1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Pollyanna?
Pollyanna pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Pollyanna
For a sister
Pollyanna & Summer♡
Pollyanna & Jesse♡
Pollyanna & Colt♡
Pollyanna & Bryan♡
For a brother
Pollyanna & Wesley♡
Pollyanna & Summer♡
Pollyanna & Jason♡
Pollyanna & Kevin♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#10952
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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