"pretty, beautiful"
Origin: French
Language: French
Jolie
Pronunciation: [ j-ohl-EE ]
Girl Name
#904 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A French word name meaning pretty and joyful
French
American
Canadian
Elegant
Playful
Modern
Sophisticated
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"joyful, merry"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with actress Angelina Jolie (since 2001) — some may assume a direct namesake connection
The Story of Jolie
Jolie comes from the French adjective meaning pretty or joyful, from Old French jolif. It entered the lexicon of given names in the 20th century, primarily in French-speaking countries and among francophile American families. The word jolif itself may derive from the Old Norse word for Yule (midwinter festival), suggesting the name has roots connecting beauty with celebration.
Jolie saw a significant surge in interest after Angelina Jolie became one of Hollywood's biggest stars in the late 1990s-2000s. The name's French elegance and easy pronunciation have helped sustain its appeal beyond her celebrity association.
In French culture, jolie is one of the most common words for beautiful or pretty. The name carries the warmth of French feminine naming traditions and the je ne sais quoi of Parisian style.
Fun Facts
- Jolie is directly the French word for pretty, making it one of the most literal word names in use
- Angelina Jolie was born Angelina Jolie Voight, having taken her middle name as her professional surname
Jolie in Other Languages
French
Jolie
Italian
Jolie
Spanish
Jolie
Famous People Named Jolie
A
Angelina Jolie
Actor
1975
Academy Award-winning American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian known for Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #904
- Total SSA Count
- 293
- Cultural Origins
- French American Canadian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Jo
Joey
Pairs Well With
Jolie Rose
Jolie Mae
Jolie Claire
Jolie Grace
Jolie Anne
Jolie Elise
Jolie Renee
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jolie
What does the name Jolie mean?
"pretty, beautiful" (from French). "joyful, merry" (from Old French). Jolie comes from the French adjective meaning pretty or joyful, from Old French jolif. It entered the lexicon of given names in the 20th century, primarily in French-speaking countries and among francophile American families. The word jolif itself may derive from the Old Norse word for Yule (midwinter festival), suggesting the name has roots connecting beauty with celebration.
What is the origin of the name Jolie?
Jolie has French, Old French, American, and Canadian origins. In French, it means "pretty, beautiful". In Old French, it means "joyful, merry".
Is Jolie a boy or girl name?
Jolie is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jolie?
Jolie is pronounced j-ohl-EE.
How popular is the name Jolie?
Jolie is currently ranked #904 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jolie?
Common nicknames for Jolie include Jo and Joey.
What are good middle names for Jolie?
Popular middle name pairings include Jolie Rose, Jolie Mae, Jolie Claire, Jolie Grace, Jolie Anne, Jolie Elise, and Jolie Renee.
What are good sibling names for Jolie?
Names that pair well with Jolie as siblings include Chloe, Amelie, Isabelle, Margot, Ethan, Luc, and Theo.
How many syllables does Jolie have?
Jolie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jolie a common or rare name?
Jolie is moderately common, ranked #904 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Jolie
Jolie is a girl name with French, American, and Canadian origins . The name means "pretty, beautiful" in French .
Jolie is currently ranked #904 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jolie has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-ohl-EE, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jolie include Jo and Joey. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.