A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Pollyanna since 1914
Babies named Pollyanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 87 |
| 1920s | 155 |
| 1930s | 59 |
| 1940s | 52 |
| 1950s | 25 |
| 1960s | 284 |
| 1970s | 171 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 84 |
| 2020s | 68 |
Meaning & origin
Pollyanna, first recorded in 1914 shortly after the publication of Eleanor H. Porter's novel, has seen a notable revival in recent decades. After reaching its peak rank of 6116 in 1964, the name fell out of favor but has been steadily rising again since 2005. In 2025, it was given to 1 in every 84593 baby girls, a fraction of its 1960s heyday but evidence of renewed interest in vintage literary names. The name's strong association with unfailing optimism continues to define its cultural footprint, though real-world usage remains rare. Its revival trajectory mirrors a broader trend toward nostalgic, character-driven names from early 20th-century fiction.
Pollyanna is a literary coinage, first appearing in Eleanor H. Porter's 1913 novel "Pollyanna." The name combines "Polly," a diminutive of Mary, and "Anna," from the Hebrew Hannah meaning "grace." Porter invented the name for her optimistic heroine, and the word "Pollyanna" entered the English language as a term for someone who is excessively cheerful.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Polly, Anna, P.J.
Variants: Poliana, Polianna
Sibling names for Pollyanna
Names that share Pollyanna's style, for a brother or sister.
