The name Molly is a diminutive form of the name Mary, which is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Miryam. The name Miryam is thought to be a combination of the Hebrew words "mar" meaning bitter, and "yam" meaning sea, possibly referring to the bitter trials endured by the biblical Miriam.

Molly emerged as a pet form of Mary in the Middle Ages, first appearing in written records in England during the 16th century. It was likely influenced by the Middle English word "molle," meaning "small thing."

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Molly was Molly Pitcher, an American revolutionary war heroine born in 1754. She is famous for her actions at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, where she carried pitchers of water to the soldiers and even took over firing a cannon after her husband was wounded.

Another notable Molly was Molly Malone, the subject of a popular Irish song from the late 17th century. She was a fictional figure, a fishwife who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin.

In the 19th century, Molly Bloom was the central character in James Joyce's celebrated novel "Ulysses," published in 1922. Her famous soliloquy at the end of the book is considered a landmark in modern literature.

Molly Pitcher was an American Revolutionary War heroine, born in 1754. She is famous for her actions at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, where she carried pitchers of water to the soldiers and even took over firing a cannon after her husband was wounded.

Molly Brown, born Margaret Tobin in 1867, was an American philanthropist and activist who became known as "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" for her actions during the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. She helped to load and launch the lifeboats, and later worked to raise funds for survivors.