What is the Meaning of the Name Polly?

The name Polly is a diminutive of the name Mary, which means 'bitter' or 'beloved'. Mary is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been used in many different cultures and languages. The name Polly first appeared in the 17th century as a nickname for Mary, and it has been used as a standalone name ever since.

The name Polly was most popular in the 19th century, but it has been declining in popularity ever since. In recent years, it has become a less common name for baby girls, but it still has a certain charm and appeal. In the United States, the name Polly was most popular in the 1880s, when it was ranked as the 70th most popular name for baby girls. Today, it is not even in the top 1000 names.

There are several variations of the name Polly, including Pollie, Polli, and Pollee. These variations are not as common as the name Polly itself, but they are still used by some parents who want a unique name for their child. Another variation of the name Polly is Pauline, which is a French name that means 'small' or 'humble'.

There have been several famous people throughout history named Polly, including Polly Bergen, an American actress and singer, and Polly Toynbee, a British journalist and author. There have also been several fictional characters named Polly, including Pollyanna, the optimistic protagonist of the novel of the same name by Eleanor H. Porter.

The name Polly has a different meaning in different cultures. In Greek, the name Polly means 'many' or 'much'. In Latin, it means 'little' or 'humble'. In Hebrew, the name Polly means 'wished-for child'. In German, it means 'bitterness'. In French, it means 'small' or 'humble'.

If you are considering the name Polly for your baby, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to consider the meaning of the name and whether it resonates with you and your family. Second, you should think about the popularity of the name and whether you want a name that is more unique or more common. Finally, you should consider any variations of the name that you might prefer, such as Pollie or Pauline.

In conclusion, the name Polly is a diminutive of the name Mary and has been around for centuries. It has a certain charm and appeal, but it is not as popular as it once was. There are several variations of the name, and it has a different meaning in different cultures. If you are considering the name Polly for your baby, be sure to consider the meaning, popularity, and variations of the name before making your final decision.