Molly

Meaning of Molly

Molly, pronounced MAH-lee, began life in medieval England as a pet form of Mary, itself derived from the Hebrew Miryam—often interpreted as “wished-for child,” “beloved,” or the more poetic “star of the sea.” Over the centuries the nickname shrugged off its diminutive cloak and stepped out as an independent given name, much like a spirited kathak dancer claiming centre-stage. Literary lovers meet Molly Bloom in Joyce’s Ulysses, while young fantasy fans recognise the warm, no-nonsense embrace of Molly Weasley; the name therefore carries a pleasing blend of depth and homely comfort. Across the Atlantic it crested America’s Top-100 list through the 1990s, and though it now sits around rank 196, the graph of annual births rises and falls with the rhythm of a tabla rather than dropping off a cliff—proof of steady, cross-generational appeal. In everyday conversation Molly feels friendly yet polished, the kind of companion who offers both masala chai and sage advice when monsoon clouds gather. Parents who favour names that are easy on the tongue, globally recognisable, and sprinkled with storybook charm often find Molly a sweet spot between classic and contemporary. Add a dash of light-hearted humour—many Indians still smile at the vintage song “Good Golly Miss Molly”—and you have a name that pirouettes gracefully from playground to boardroom while keeping its warm, twinkling soul intact.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as MAH-lee (/ˌmɔli/)

• Holly
• Millie
• Miley
• Kelly
• Polly
• Dolly
• Lolly