Molly is a charming and popular girl's name with a rich history and interesting origins. It is of Irish and Scottish origin and is derived from the ancient Gaelic name "Móir", which means "sea" or "great". The name Molly was originally used as a pet form of Mary, but over time it has become a distinct name in its own right.
The name Molly has been used for centuries and has been associated with various historical figures. One notable example is Molly Pitcher, also known as Mary Ludwig Hays, who was an American heroine during the Revolutionary War. She became famous for her bravery on the battlefield, carrying water to soldiers and even taking over cannon fire when a gunner was wounded.
In literature, the name Molly has been used by several prominent authors. Most famously, James Joyce used the name in his modernist novel "Ulysses", where Molly Bloom is the wife of the main character Leopold Bloom. The name has also been used in various other works of literature and popular culture, such as in the animated film "The Secret of NIMH" where Mrs. Brisby is named Molly.
Today, the name Molly continues to be popular among parents looking for a charming and distinctive name for their daughters. It remains strongly associated with its Irish and Scottish roots, while also being beloved by people around the world who appreciate its warmth and charm. Whether you're naming your daughter after historical figures like Molly Pitcher or literary characters like Molly Bloom, choosing the name Molly is sure to bring a touch of magic into her life.
The name Molly has been consistently popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the mid-20th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Molly was given to between 29 and 58 newborn girls each year. However, beginning in the 1940s, the number of Molly births began to rise significantly. In 1946, there were 415 Molly births, and this number continued to grow throughout the following decades.
By the 1970s, Molly had become one of the most popular girls' names in the United States, with over 2,000 Molly births recorded each year. This popularity persisted through the 1980s and 1990s, with Molly consistently ranking among the top 500 baby names.
However, since the early 2000s, the usage of Molly has declined somewhat. While it is still a popular name, with over 1,400 Molly births recorded in 2022, it no longer ranks among the top 1,000 baby names in the United States.
Overall, Molly has been a widely-used name in the United States for over a century, and its popularity has waxed and waned over time. However, despite recent declines in usage, Molly remains a classic and timeless name choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their daughter.