Holly: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Holly mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

English: Holly tree; a symbol of protection and goodwill
Old English: Holy day

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Holly is pronounced HAH-lee

For girls, the name Holly is of English origin and represents the holly tree, often associated with protection and goodwill in various cultures.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Holly mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

English: Holly tree; a symbol of protection and goodwill
Old English: Holy day

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Holly is pronounced HAH-lee

Holly is of English origin and represents the holly tree, often symbolizing protection and goodwill in various cultures. As a boy’s name, it carries a unique charm and a sense of strength, reflecting positive attributes that can inspire kindness and resilience.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish: part-translation of Gaelic Mac Cuilinn (see McCullen) in County Kerry, and in Ulster sometimes a variant of McQuillan, also an Anglicized form of Mac Cuilinn. It is rarely of English origin.

English: variant spelling of Holley.

Eastern European: Possibly an altered spelling of Czech or Slovak Holý (see Holy).

Famous people with this first name

Holly Madison

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Michael Bolton

Terry Gilliam

Holly in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's - A charming and eccentric young woman in New York City who navigates romance and self-discovery.
Holly J. Sinclair from Degrassi: The Next Generation - A confident and ambitious character navigating high school challenges and friendships.

Popularity of the Name Holly

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Holly has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, consistently ranking within the top 200 names for girls in the U.S. since the 1980s. It enjoyed its peak popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, when it was often associated with the festive season due to its connection to the holly plant.

Holly is an English name that evokes images of the winter holiday season, and its charm has made it a favorite among parents. Notable people named Holly include actress Holly Hunter and singer Holly Williams. The name has also appeared in various films, television shows, and literature, contributing to its enduring appeal.