Polly is a name of English origin that has been around for centuries. It is a popular name for baby girls that is often used as a nickname for Paula and is considered a name on its own. The name Polly has a rich history and various meanings that have evolved over time.
The name Polly is a diminutive of Mary and has been used as a nickname for centuries. It was first recorded in the 17th century and became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Polly is often associated with a cheerful and friendly personality, and it has a peppier sound compared to other similar names like Molly. The name has also been used in literature and pop culture, making it a well-known name in modern times.
The meaning of the name Polly has evolved over time, and it has various interpretations in different cultures and languages. In English, it means “great sorrow” or “bitterness,” while in Hebrew, it means “small.” The name has also been associated with other meanings, such as “pet form of Molly” and “bittersweet.” Despite its various meanings, Polly remains a popular name for baby girls, and its rich history and cultural significance make it a fascinating topic to explore.
Origins of the Name Polly
Polly is a charming name that has been used for centuries. It has a rich history and a variety of meanings. In this section, we will explore the origins of the name Polly and its various meanings.
Polly as a Diminutive of Mary
Polly is a diminutive of Mary, which is a name that has been popular for centuries. Mary is a name of English origin that means “bitter” or “beloved.” It is derived from the Latin name Maria, which is a variant of the Greek name Mariam. Mariam, in turn, is derived from the Aramaic name Maryam, which means “bitter.”
Polly is a variant of the name Molly, which is also a diminutive of Mary. Molly is a popular name in English-speaking countries, and it has been used since the Middle Ages. The name Polly became popular in the 18th century as a nickname for Mary.
Polly as a Variant of Paula
Polly is also a variant of the name Paula, which is a name of Latin origin. Paula means “small” or “humble.” It is derived from the Latin word paulus, which means “small” or “little.” Paula was a popular name in ancient Rome, and it has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
In conclusion, Polly is a name with a rich history and a variety of meanings. It is a diminutive of Mary and a variant of Paula. It has been used for centuries and is still a popular name today.
Popularity of the Name Polly
Polly is a charming and timeless name that has been in use for centuries. It has been a popular name for baby girls in America, and it is still widely used today.
According to the Social Security Administration, Polly was most popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its popularity has since declined, but it still remains a well-liked name. In 2022, Polly was ranked #3277 in popularity, with 615 fewer babies given the name than the previous year.
Polly is primarily used as a girl’s name, but it can also be used as a nickname for boys named Paul or other names beginning with “P.” However, it is much more commonly used for girls. In fact, Polly is a diminutive of the name Mary, which is one of the most popular girl names of all time.
While Polly may not be as popular as some other girl names like Ava or Mila, it still has a loyal following of parents who appreciate its vintage charm and playful sound. It is also a great alternative to other similar names like Molly or Poppy, which have become more common in recent years.
Overall, Polly is a lovely name that has stood the test of time. Its popularity may have fluctuated over the years, but it is still a beloved choice for parents looking for a classic and cheerful name for their baby girl.
Meaning of the Name Polly
Polly is a charming and playful name that has been used for centuries. It is a diminutive form of the name Mary, which means “star of the sea” in Hebrew. The name Polly has several meanings in different languages and cultures, but its most common interpretation is “small” or “petite.”
The name Polly was most popular in the 19th century and has since declined in popularity. However, it still remains a beloved name for parents who want a vintage and timeless name for their baby girl.
In addition to its Hebrew roots, the name Polly is also associated with Latin and Greek origins. In Latin, Polly means “bittersweet,” while in Greek, it means “wished-for child.” These meanings add depth and complexity to the name Polly, making it a versatile and meaningful name for any baby girl.
Overall, the name Polly is a sweet and endearing name that is perfect for parents who want a name that is both playful and meaningful. Its association with the sea and its various meanings in different languages make it a unique and special name for any baby girl.
Polly in Literature and Media
The name Polly has been used in various literary works and media over the years. Here are some notable examples:
-
Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: In these classic novels by Mark Twain, Polly is the name of Tom Sawyer’s aunt. She is a strict but caring woman who takes care of Tom and his half-brother Sid after their mother’s death.
-
Pollyanna: This novel by Eleanor H. Porter features a young girl named Pollyanna who is known for her positive attitude and ability to find the good in any situation. The name Pollyanna has since become synonymous with optimism and positivity.
-
Nirvana: The iconic grunge band, Nirvana, had a song titled “Polly” on their 1991 album, Nevermind. The song was inspired by the true story of a young girl who was abducted and raped.
-
Along Came Polly: This 2004 romantic comedy film starred Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller. Aniston’s character is named Polly Prince and is a free-spirited woman who helps Stiller’s character, a risk-averse man, learn to take chances and live life to the fullest.
Overall, the name Polly has been used in a variety of ways in literature and media, from strict but caring aunts to optimistic young girls and free-spirited women.
Famous People Named Polly
The name Polly has been a popular name for many years and has been given to many famous people across various fields. Here are some of the most notable people named Polly:
-
Polly Bergen: She was an American actress, singer, and entrepreneur. She was best known for her roles in the films “Cape Fear” and “Kisses for My President”.
-
Polly Holliday: She is an American actress who is best known for her role as Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry in the television series “Alice”.
-
Polly Peachum: She is a character in the play “The Beggar’s Opera” by John Gay. Polly Peachum is the daughter of a thief and is in love with the main character, Macheath.
-
Thomas Jefferson: Although not named Polly himself, Thomas Jefferson named one of his pet mockingbirds Polly. He was known to be fond of birds and even kept a pet mockingbird in the White House.
-
Other famous Pollys include Polly Walker, an English actress known for her roles in “Rome” and “The Mentalist”, and Polly Adams, an American actress known for her roles in “The Hudsucker Proxy” and “The Spanish Prisoner”.
Overall, the name Polly has been given to many successful and influential people throughout history.
Polly in Songs and Music
Polly is a name that has been used in various songs and music genres. Here are some notable examples:
-
“Polly” by Nirvana: This song was written by Kurt Cobain after reading a newspaper article about a crime that occurred in 1987. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl named Polly who was kidnapped and raped. The song is known for its haunting melody and raw emotion.
-
“Pollyanna” by Green Day: This song is a tribute to the character Pollyanna from the novel of the same name. The lyrics encourage listeners to stay positive and look on the bright side of life.
-
“Polly Put the Kettle On” (traditional nursery rhyme): This nursery rhyme dates back to the 18th century and tells the story of a young girl named Polly who is asked to put the kettle on for tea.
-
“Polly” by Gene Clark: This song was written by Gene Clark, a member of the band The Byrds. The lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman named Polly, but she ends up leaving him.
-
“Pretty Polly” (traditional folk song): This traditional folk song tells the story of a man who murders his lover Polly and buries her in the woods. The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan and Judy Collins.
Overall, the name Polly has been used in a variety of ways in songs and music. From haunting ballads to cheerful nursery rhymes, the name has been immortalized in many different genres.
Polly as a Pet Name
Polly is a popular pet name for birds, especially parrots, due to its association with the phrase “Polly wants a cracker.” This phrase has been used in popular culture for decades and is often associated with parrots mimicking human speech.
If you’re considering naming your pet bird Polly, it’s important to note that it’s not just for parrots. Polly can be a great name for any pet bird, from canaries to cockatiels. It’s a cute and friendly name that can show off your bird’s personality.
One of the benefits of using Polly as a pet name is that it’s easy to say and remember. This can be particularly helpful if you have young children who are learning to interact with your pet bird. It’s a great way to get them excited about spending time with their new feathered friend.
Another advantage of using Polly as a pet name is that it’s gender-neutral. This means that it can be used for both male and female birds, which can be helpful if you’re not sure about your bird’s gender or if you have multiple birds of different genders.
In conclusion, Polly is a great pet name for any bird, especially parrots. It’s cute, easy to say, and gender-neutral, making it a popular choice among pet owners.
Other Names Related to Polly
Polly is a cute and charming name that has a rich history and a variety of related names. Here are some of the other names that are related to Polly:
- Poll: A short form of Polly, Poll is a unique and uncommon name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something a little different.
- Molly: A popular name that has been used for centuries, Molly is a variant of Mary and is a great alternative to Polly.
- Moll: Another variant of Molly, Moll is a simple and sweet name that is easy to spell and pronounce.
- Mary: The name that Polly is derived from, Mary is a classic and timeless name that has been used for generations.
- Mari: A short form of Mary, Mari is a beautiful and elegant name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something sophisticated and refined.
- Finn: A unisex name that means “fair-haired,” Finn is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something gender-neutral.
- Paul: A strong and classic name that means “small,” Paul is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something traditional and masculine.
- Phil: A short form of Philip, Phil is a unique and uncommon name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something a little different.
- Phila: A short form of Philadelphia, Phila is a unique and uncommon name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something a little different.
- Polo: A unique and uncommon name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something a little different, Polo is a great alternative to Polly.
- Daisy: A sweet and charming name that means “day’s eye,” Daisy is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something feminine and floral.
- Ivy: A beautiful and elegant name that means “faithfulness,” Ivy is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something sophisticated and refined.
- Ruby: A classic and timeless name that means “red,” Ruby is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something traditional and feminine.
- Penelope: A beautiful and elegant name that means “weaver,” Penelope is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something sophisticated and refined.
- Jack: A strong and classic name that means “God is gracious,” Jack is a great alternative to Polly for parents who are looking for something traditional and masculine.