Declining since 1985, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Holli since 1946
Babies named Holli per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1983, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Holli's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 366 |
| 1960s | 1,194 |
| 1970s | 2,425 |
| 1980s | 2,450 |
| 1990s | 1,430 |
| 2000s | 535 |
| 2010s | 235 |
| 2020s | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Holli is a mid-20th century respelling of Holly, a botanical name that gained popularity as a girl's name in the 20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1946 and reached its peak popularity in 1974, when it was among the top choices for baby girls. Since 1985, usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from simple, nature-inspired names toward more distinctive or vintage choices. In 2025, Holli ranked 8,362, with roughly 1 in 133,939 newborns receiving the name. Despite its falling trajectory, the name retains a cheerful, earthy quality, and its floral association has kept it in occasional use among parents seeking a less common alternative to Holly or more modern nature names.
Holli is a spelling variant of Holly, a name derived from the holly tree (genus Ilex), an evergreen plant with spiny leaves and red berries. As a given name, Holly came into use in the 19th century alongside other botanical names. The Holli spelling emerged as a modern respelling in the mid-20th century, following a trend of simplifying or feminizing names with a final 'i' or 'ie'.
Where Holli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hol, Holls
Sibling names for Holli
Names that share Holli's style, for a brother or sister.
