Mollie is a charming and unique name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Ó Maolmhoda". The surname is believed to have been anglicized from the Irish Gaelic "Ó Maoil Mhóna", which translates to "descendant of the devotee of Mongan".
The given name Mollie itself does not have a specific meaning or definition, as it evolved from a surname. However, some sources suggest that Mollie could be interpreted as a diminutive form of Mary, which in Latin means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness", and is often associated with the Virgin Mary.
The name Mollie began to appear more frequently as a given name during the 18th century, particularly in Ireland. It was traditionally used for girls, but it has also been used as a boy's name from time to time.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Mollie. One of the most famous is American actress and singer Molly Ringwald, who rose to prominence in the 1980s with roles in films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles". Another notable figure is Australian swimming champion Mollie O'Callaghan, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
In popular culture, Mollie has been used as a character name in various works. For instance, it appears in Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and in the musical "Annie". Additionally, there is a breed of dog known as the "Mollie", which is a type of sheepdog found primarily in Australia.
Overall, Mollie is a name with Irish roots that has gained popularity over time. While it may not have a specific meaning, its unique sound and charm make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Mollie in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 47,752 births.
From 1880 to around 1960, the popularity of the name Mollie fluctuated significantly. There were years with over 700 births (such as 1914 and 1915) and others with less than 100 (like 1962). However, from 1964 onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Mollie.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the number of births with the name Mollie began to increase again, peaking at 535 births in 1991. This trend continued until around the year 2000, after which there was another decline in popularity.
Since then, the number of births with the name Mollie has remained relatively stable, with an average of around 200-400 births per year. Despite fluctuations over time, Mollie continues to be a popular choice for parents in the United States.