A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Polly since 1880
Babies named Polly per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1964, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Polly's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 476 |
| 1890s | 661 |
| 1900s | 753 |
| 1910s | 1,919 |
| 1920s | 3,324 |
| 1930s | 3,864 |
| 1940s | 4,301 |
| 1950s | 5,068 |
| 1960s | 5,030 |
| 1970s | 1,967 |
| 1980s | 689 |
| 1990s | 425 |
| 2000s | 322 |
| 2010s | 468 |
| 2020s | 417 |
Meaning & origin
Polly is a vintage English diminutive that has seen a quiet resurgence. First recorded in 1880, it reached its peak rank of 2298 in 1881 with approximately 1 in 20,345 girls receiving the name in 2025. After decades of decline, it has been rising steadily since 2003, a trajectory shared by many old-fashioned nicknames returning to favor. The name was especially common in North Carolina, Ohio, and New York. While Polly originated as a nickname for Mary, it has long functioned independently, carrying a cheerful, old-fashioned charm that feels fresh again.
Polly originated as a diminutive of Mary, derived from the medieval English nickname 'Molly' which later shifted to 'Polly' through the common linguistic process of 'm' to 'p' alteration. Historically used as an affectionate form, it became an independent given name in the 18th century, appearing in English literature and folk songs.
Where Polly 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.
“Polly” around the world
Where Polly lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pol, Poll
Sibling names for Polly
Names that share Polly's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Daisy, Lucy, Lily, Annie, Bess, Betsy, Dolly, Dotty, Ginny, Kitty, Lennie, Merry, Mollie, Peggie, Tandy, Bunny, Milly, Nancie, Penni, Billee, Cissy, Dory, Jinny, Jolly, Mame, Marrie, Matie, Nollie, Patsie, Patt, Peg, Peggi, Pinkey, Salli, Azzie, Betsie, Lolly, Missie, Molley, Pegge, Peggye, Pennye, Taffy, Tassie, Betsi, Ketty, Nansi, Pegi, Peni, Tabby, Taffie, Tomma
Brothers: Tommy, Charlie, Harry, Jack, Billy, Butch, Fredy, Jeb, Toy, Budd, Dicky, Jobie, Rody, Rolly, Tollie, Skippy
