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

Popularity of Poppy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Poppy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Poppy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,072 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Poppy.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Poppy in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Poppy

The name Poppy is derived from the flower of the same name, which is believed to have originated from the Latin word "papaver". The poppy flower has been associated with various cultures and civilizations throughout history, and its symbolism has played a significant role in the popularity of the name.

In ancient Greece, the poppy was closely linked to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. The flower was believed to represent sleep, peace, and resurrection, and was often used in rituals and ceremonies. It is possible that the name Poppy was first used during this time, although there are no definitive records.

During the Middle Ages, the poppy became a symbol of remembrance and was often associated with the military. The red poppy, in particular, gained significance after World War I, when it was adopted as a symbol to commemorate the fallen soldiers. This connection to the war may have contributed to the name's popularity in the early 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Poppy dates back to the 16th century. Poppy Gwynne (c. 1563 - c. 1634) was an English herbalist and midwife who gained recognition for her work in the field of medicine. Another notable figure was Poppy Cannon (1888 - 1973), an American home economist and author who played a significant role in popularizing the use of modern kitchen appliances.

In literature, the name Poppy has been used for various characters, including Poppy Upover in Charles Dickens' "Our Mutual Friend" (1864-1865) and Poppy Moore in P.G. Wodehouse's "The Inimitable Jeeves" (1923). Additionally, the character of Poppy in the children's book series "Trolls" has further contributed to the name's popularity in recent times.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Poppy. Poppy Shakespeare (1957 - present) is a British actress known for her roles in films like "Braveheart" and "The Princess Bride". Poppy King (1971 - present) is an Australian entrepreneur and the founder of the cosmetics brand "Poppy Cosmetics". Poppy Northcutt (1924 - 2010) was an American civil rights activist and the first woman to work as an engineer for NASA.

These are just a few examples of the historical and cultural significance of the name Poppy, which has been embraced across various regions and time periods, often drawing inspiration from the symbolism and beauty of the poppy flower itself.

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 Poppy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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