Molly

Molly began as an affectionate English diminutive of Mary, one of the most enduring names in the Western world, and has been used as an independent name in its own right since at least the 18th century.

Shop your Molly necklace

What Does the Name Molly Mean?

Molly doesn't have a separate meaning of its own -- it inherits the meaning debate around Mary, from the Hebrew Miriam, variously interpreted as "wished-for child," "bitter," or "star of the sea."

The Origin & History of Molly

Molly developed in England as a nickname for Mary, following a pattern where Mary became Mally and then Molly through common sound shifts. It was in wide use by the 1700s and had become a fully independent given name by the 20th century.

Cultural Reach

Molly has long been a beloved, everyday English name, popular throughout the UK, Ireland, and the US across many generations.

Famous People Named Molly

Notable bearers include Molly Ringwald, the American actress known for The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, and Molly Shannon, the Emmy-nominated Saturday Night Live alum and actress.

Nicknames & Variations

Molly is itself a nickname form of Mary; Mollie is a common alternate spelling.

Is Molly a Good Name in 2026?

Molly remains a warm, timeless choice -- simple, friendly, and never far from fashionable.

Molly ranked #208 among US girls' names in 2024 SSA data, with 1,465 girls given the name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Molly mean?

Molly inherits Mary's meaning, variously translated as "wished-for child," "bitter," or "star of the sea."

Is Molly short for Mary?

Yes -- Molly developed historically as an affectionate English nickname for Mary.

Is Molly a common name in Ireland?

Yes -- Molly has long been a favorite name throughout Ireland and the UK.

Is Molly a popular name today?

Yes -- Molly remains a steady top-210 US girls' name.

Popularity of the name Molly in the US

1991 · 4,663 babies · rank #152 (4,652 girls, 11 boys)