Dolly is a charming and unique feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Dolan, which itself comes from the Old Irish word 'doladh', meaning 'heritage'. The name Dolly is often associated with dolls due to its similarity in sound, but it has no direct connection to them.
The name Dolly gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. It was initially more common among girls from Irish immigrant families, reflecting the influence of the Irish population on American culture at that time. However, it eventually became popular across all social classes and ethnic backgrounds, becoming a staple name in many households.
One notable figure associated with the name Dolly is the American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Born in 1946, she has become an international icon known for her country music and humanitarian efforts. Although her given name was actually "Dolly Rebecca Parton," she adopted the nickname "Dolly" as her professional stage name.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Dolly is not widely used in Ireland today. It remains more popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the highest popularity of the name Dolly was during the 1920s, peaking at position number 367.
In conclusion, the name Dolly is a delightful choice with an interesting history behind it. With its Irish roots and associations with heritage, as well as being made famous by legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, this unique moniker has carved out its own place in popular culture.
The name Dolly has been quite popular in the United States over the years, with a total of 20,350 babies being named Dolly since 1880. The peak in popularity occurred in 1918, with 354 births that year. However, the number of births with the name Dolly has been decreasing steadily since the mid-20th century, reaching a low of just 10 births in 2003. Despite this decline, there has been a resurgence in recent years, with 87 births recorded in 2021 and 113 in 2022. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.