Declining since 1985, #3,712 for girls today.
Popularity of Holley since 1937
Babies named Holley per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1984, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Holley's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 72 |
| 1950s | 229 |
| 1960s | 397 |
| 1970s | 847 |
| 1980s | 922 |
| 1990s | 740 |
| 2000s | 560 |
| 2010s | 463 |
| 2020s | 250 |
Meaning & origin
Holley is a variant spelling of Holly that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1937. It enjoyed modest popularity during the 1970s, its peak year being 1974, but has been on a declining trajectory since at least 1985. Land records show its highest relative frequency in Washington and Texas. In the latest year tracked (2025), it ranked 3712 with about 1 in 40182 newborns receiving the name, placing it as a rare choice.
Holley is a variant spelling of Holly, which is taken directly from the name of the evergreen shrub (Ilex aquifolium) with red berries, traditionally associated with Christmas. The spelling with '-ey' emerged in the 20th century as a distinctive alternative. Its use as a given name, originally for girls, became popular in the United States during the 20th century.
Where Holley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hol, Lee
Variants: Holly
Sibling names for Holley
Names that share Holley's style, for a brother or sister.
