Polly

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Polly

Polly is a Latin girl name, which has 5 letters.

Polly is a diminutive form of the name Mary and is derived from the Greek word for "bitter" or "bitter sea". It can also be a nickname for Molly, which means “star of the sea”. It is also used as a pet name for someone who is pretty or pleasant.

Alternate Meaning Bitter

Origin or Current Usage Latin

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Polly

Polly is a feminine given name that has English origins. It is derived from the name Molly, which is in turn a diminutive form of Mary. The name Polly gained popularity in the 18th century and has remained in use ever since.

Historically, Polly was often used as a nickname for girls named Mary, but over time it developed into an independent name. It has a playful and lively connotation, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a cheerful and spirited name for their daughters. Despite its association with youthfulness, Polly can also be seen as a charming and quaint name that harks back to a bygone era.

Polly has been featured in literature and pop culture, further enhancing its recognition and appeal. One notable example is the character Pollyanna in Eleanor H. Porter's novel "Pollyanna," a young girl known for her optimistic outlook on life. This literary association with optimism and positivity has contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

In recent years, Polly has shown a decline in popularity as more modern and unique names gain traction. However, it still maintains a certain charm and nostalgic appeal for many parents. It is worth noting that Polly can also be a shortened form of other names, such as Apollonia or Paulina. This versatility allows for various origins and associations to be attributed to the name.

In summary, Polly is an English name with a lively and playful connotation. It has historical ties to the name Mary and has been used as an independent name since the 18th century. With its association with optimism and charm, Polly continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a cheerful name for their daughters. Despite a recent decline in popularity, its versatility as a shortened form of other names ensures its enduring appeal.

Similar Latin Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names