The name Polly evokes a sense of classic charm and simple sweetness. But how popular is the name Polly in modern times, and what is its history? Let’s delve into the origins, popularity trends, and alternative names associated with this delightful moniker.
(Image of a graphic with the name Polly)
Polly Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
Is Polly a popular name? The data reveals a fascinating journey in popularity for the name Polly over the last century. Examining historical birth records provides valuable insight into how trends have shifted.
Here’s a look at the popularity of the name Polly based on Social Security Administration (SSA) data:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 368 | 72 | 0.0204% |
| 1911 | 477 | 38 | 0.0102% |
| 1912 | 388 | 101 | 0.02% |
| 1913 | 431 | 85 | 0.015% |
| 1914 | 418 | 121 | 0.0174% |
| 1915 | 409 | 172 | 0.0189% |
| 1916 | 388 | 213 | 0.022% |
| 1917 | 383 | 228 | 0.0228% |
| 1918 | 384 | 243 | 0.0226% |
| 1919 | 414 | 204 | 0.0195% |
| 1920 | 398 | 234 | 0.021% |
| 1921 | 409 | 232 | 0.0203% |
| 1922 | 369 | 271 | 0.0243% |
| 1923 | 381 | 264 | 0.0236% |
| 1924 | 375 | 290 | 0.025% |
| 1925 | 384 | 281 | 0.0249% |
| 1926 | 370 | 290 | 0.0264% |
| 1927 | 368 | 300 | 0.0271% |
| 1928 | 340 | 351 | 0.0328% |
| 1929 | 338 | 326 | 0.0315% |
| 1930 | 350 | 318 | 0.0304% |
| 1931 | 323 | 351 | 0.0356% |
| 1932 | 308 | 383 | 0.0388% |
| 1933 | 326 | 316 | 0.0339% |
| 1934 | 294 | 404 | 0.0418% |
| 1935 | 329 | 329 | 0.0339% |
| 1936 | 317 | 332 | 0.0345% |
| 1937 | 320 | 337 | 0.0342% |
| 1938 | 339 | 310 | 0.0303% |
| 1939 | 300 | 377 | 0.0371% |
| 1940 | 311 | 373 | 0.0351% |
| 1941 | 314 | 396 | 0.0352% |
| 1942 | 346 | 366 | 0.029% |
| 1943 | 348 | 381 | 0.0292% |
| 1944 | 333 | 381 | 0.0307% |
| 1945 | 337 | 370 | 0.0303% |
| 1946 | 356 | 407 | 0.0276% |
| 1947 | 377 | 409 | 0.0245% |
| 1948 | 386 | 384 | 0.0241% |
| 1949 | 361 | 434 | 0.027% |
| 1950 | 375 | 418 | 0.026% |
| 1951 | 383 | 419 | 0.0247% |
| 1952 | 387 | 408 | 0.0234% |
| 1953 | 374 | 480 | 0.0271% |
| 1954 | 386 | 452 | 0.0247% |
| 1955 | 349 | 563 | 0.0306% |
| 1956 | 376 | 512 | 0.0271% |
| 1957 | 406 | 479 | 0.0249% |
| 1958 | 395 | 498 | 0.0263% |
| 1959 | 417 | 477 | 0.0251% |
| 1960 | 380 | 587 | 0.031% |
| 1961 | 372 | 639 | 0.0338% |
| 1962 | 404 | 535 | 0.0291% |
| 1963 | 395 | 546 | 0.0304% |
| 1964 | 358 | 662 | 0.0376% |
| 1965 | 442 | 418 | 0.0256% |
| 1966 | 452 | 393 | 0.0252% |
| 1967 | 466 | 363 | 0.0239% |
| 1968 | 499 | 337 | 0.0224% |
| 1969 | 572 | 250 | 0.0162% |
| 1970 | 580 | 261 | 0.0164% |
| 1971 | 592 | 245 | 0.0163% |
| 1972 | 686 | 162 | 0.0119% |
| 1973 | 697 | 162 | 0.0125% |
| 1974 | 718 | 153 | 0.0118% |
| 1975 | 936 | 87 | 0.0068% |
| 1976 | 1100 | 60 | 0.0047% |
| 1977 | 843 | 121 | 0.009% |
| 1978 | 1221 | 55 | 0.0041% |
| 1979 | 1260 | 52 | 0.0037% |
| 1980 | 1282 | 52 | 0.0036% |
| 1981 | 1869 | 20 | 0.0014% |
| 1982 | 1564 | 33 | 0.0022% |
| 1983 | 1875 | 19 | 0.0013% |
| 1984 | 1758 | 23 | 0.0015% |
| 1985 | 1949 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 1986 | 2324 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1987 | 2020 | 19 | 0.0012% |
| 1988 | 2671 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1989 | 2392 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 1990 | 2756 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1991 | 2722 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1992 | 2980 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1993 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | 3899 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1995 | 3271 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1996 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3031 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1998 | 3134 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1999 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | 3948 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3640 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2004 | 3827 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2005 | 3975 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | 2795 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 2007 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2009 | 3875 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2010 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3712 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2012 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3263 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2014 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3278 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2016 | 2611 | 14 | 0.001% |
| 2017 | 3472 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2019 | 3222 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2020 | N/A | 0 | 0% |
| 2021 | 5075 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | 5399 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2023 | 3566 | 12 | 0.0009% |
Note: "N/A" indicates the name did not meet the minimum threshold for ranking.
As the data clearly shows, Polly enjoyed considerable popularity in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1930s and 1940s. Since then, its usage has declined, experiencing a resurgence in 2016 and 2023.
The Meaning and Origins of Polly
Polly is often considered a diminutive of the name Mary. The exact meaning is debated, but some popular interpretations of Mary include "star of the sea" or "bitter." It can also be seen as a pet form of Paula, meaning "small."
Exploring Names Similar to Polly
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Polly, consider these alternative names:
Variants of Polly:
- Poll: A simple and direct variation.
- Pollee
- Polley
- Polli
- Pollie: Adds a touch of endearment.
- Pollyanna: A compound name suggesting optimism and cheerfulness.
Names that Sound Like Polly:
- Billy: A playful and gender-neutral option.
- Pauly: Similar in sound but with Latin origins.
- Pella: A Greek name meaning "rock."
- Pola: Associated with the poppy flower.
- Poli
Similar Names:
- Paula: Sharing the "small" meaning.
Polly in Popular Culture
The name Polly has also appeared in various forms of popular culture, including songs, stories, and films, giving it a familiar and friendly association.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have a connection to the name Polly? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!