"star of the sea"
Origin: Hebrew via Latin
Language: English
Molly
Pronunciation: [ m-AHL-ee ]
Girl Name
#208 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
Timeless Irish-American warmth wrapped in two sunny syllables
English
Irish
American
Australian
Classic
Playful
Gentle
Vintage
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"bitter"
Origin: Hebrew (Miriam)
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Slang term for MDMA/ecstasy in drug culture since the 2000s
The Story of Molly
Molly began as a medieval English diminutive of Mary, which itself derives from the Hebrew Miriam. The meaning of Miriam is debated, but 'star of the sea' (the Latin 'stella maris') and 'bitter' are the most cited interpretations. Molly has been used as an independent name since at least the 17th century and became especially associated with Irish culture, where it appears in folk songs and literature.
Molly has been a steady favorite in English-speaking countries for centuries. It surged in the US in the 1980s and 90s partly due to the Dolly Parton song 'Molly' and its wholesome, approachable feel. It remains consistently popular in Ireland and Australia. Parents appreciate its vintage warmth alongside names like Nora and Sadie.
Molly is deeply embedded in Irish-American culture through songs like 'Good Golly Miss Molly' and 'Cockles and Mussels' (about Molly Malone, Dublin's folk heroine). The name carries working-class warmth and genuine friendliness in Irish tradition.
Fun Facts
- Molly Malone is a beloved Dublin folk character immortalized in the song 'Cockles and Mussels'; her statue stands in Dublin city center
- In Irish tradition, Molly is considered the quintessential Irish girl's name alongside Brigid and Siobhan
- The name Molly appears in Shakespeare's works and has been in continuous use since the 17th century
Molly in Other Languages
Irish
Máire (root form)
French
Marie (root form)
German
Maria (root form)
Hebrew
מִרְיָם (Miriam)
Spanish
María (root form)
Famous People Named Molly
M
Molly Ringwald
Actor
1968
American actress and icon of 1980s teen films including The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles
M
Molly Malone Fictional
Other
Legendary Dublin street trader immortalized in the folk song 'Cockles and Mussels', symbol of the city of Dublin
M
Molly Weasley Fictional
Other
Beloved mother figure in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #208
- Total SSA Count
- 1,465
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mol
Mols
Pairs Well With
Molly Grace
Molly Rose
Molly Kate
Molly Ann
Molly Jane
Molly Beth
Molly Claire
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Molly is also used as a boy name, ranked #28261.
View Molly as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (English)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Molly
What does the name Molly mean?
"star of the sea" (from Hebrew via Latin). "bitter" (from Hebrew (Miriam)). Molly began as a medieval English diminutive of Mary, which itself derives from the Hebrew Miriam. The meaning of Miriam is debated, but 'star of the sea' (the Latin 'stella maris') and 'bitter' are the most cited interpretations. Molly has been used as an independent name since at least the 17th century and became especially associated with Irish culture, where it appears in folk songs and literature.
What is the origin of the name Molly?
Molly has Hebrew via Latin, Hebrew (Miriam), English, Irish, American, and Australian origins. In Hebrew via Latin, it means "star of the sea". In Hebrew (Miriam), it means "bitter".
Is Molly a boy or girl name?
Molly is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #208. As a boy name, it is ranked #28261. Molly is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Molly?
Molly is pronounced m-AHL-ee.
How popular is the name Molly?
Molly is currently ranked #208 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Molly?
Common nicknames for Molly include Mol and Mols.
What are good middle names for Molly?
Popular middle name pairings include Molly Grace, Molly Rose, Molly Kate, Molly Ann, Molly Jane, Molly Beth, and Molly Claire.
What are good sibling names for Molly?
Names that pair well with Molly as siblings include Maggie, Nora, Bridget, Finn, Declan, and Patrick.
How many syllables does Molly have?
Molly has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Molly a common or rare name?
Molly is a popular name, ranked #208 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Molly
Molly is a girl name with English, Irish, American, and Australian origins . The name means "star of the sea" in Hebrew via Latin .
Is Molly a boy or girl name? Molly is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #208 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,261. Molly is more commonly used as a girl name.
Molly is currently ranked #208 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Molly has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Molly include Mol and Mols. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Molly include Mollie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.