Find out how popular the first name Polly has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Polly by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Polly is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 66 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Polly.

The history of the first name Polly

The name Polly is a diminutive form of the female given name Mary. It has its origins in the Late Latin name Maria, which was derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. Miryam is believed to have meant "beloved" or "wished-for child" in ancient Hebrew. The name Mary gained widespread popularity through its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition.

Polly emerged as a nickname for Mary in the 16th century. It was a common practice at the time to create diminutive forms of names, often with the addition of the "-y" or "-ie" suffix. Polly became a popular nickname, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a shortened and more informal version of the name Mary.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Polly can be found in the works of William Shakespeare. In his play "The Winter's Tale," written around 1611, a character named Polixenes is referred to as "Polly" in a shortened form. This suggests that the nickname was already in use during Shakespeare's time.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Polly. One example is Polly Peabody (1764-1827), an American businesswoman who played a significant role in establishing the textile industry in New England. Another is Polly Platt (1939-2011), an American film producer and production designer known for her work on films such as "Broadcast News" and "Say Anything."

Polly Adler (1900-1962) was a famous American author and former brothel-keeper in New York City during the early 20th century. Her memoir, "A House is Not a Home," published in 1953, provided a candid account of her life in the underground world of prostitution.

In the realm of literature, Polly Honeycombe is a character in Henry Fielding's novel "The Voyage of the Dementia," published in 1749. She is known for her wit and charm, serving as a foil to the novel's protagonist.

Polly Bergen (1930-2014) was an American actress, singer, and entrepreneur who had a successful career spanning over six decades. She was known for her roles in films such as "Cape Fear" and the television series "The Sopranos."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Polly. While its origins lie in the Hebrew name Miryam and its connection to the Virgin Mary, Polly has become a beloved and enduring nickname in its own right.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Polly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Polly, please contact us.

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