Holly Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationHOL-ee / /ˈhɒli/English; Old English
Meaning
English: Holly plant; Old English: To prick or to be sharp
Historical & Cultural Background
Holly is derived from the Old English word 'holegn,' which refers to the holly plant, known for its evergreen leaves and red berries. Traditionally, holly has been associated with Christmas and winter celebrations, symbolizing protection and goodwill. The name has been used for both genders, though it is more commonly given to girls.
Trend Summary
Holly has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, often peaking during the holiday season.
Similar Names
Variants
- Hollis
International Variants
- Holly (English)
- Hollie (English)
Famous people named Holly
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Fictional characters named Holly
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Holly was first seen in the United States in 1880. Holly has ranked as high as #841 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in West Virginia, Kentucky, California, District of Columbia, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Holly has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Holly (2004)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| KY | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 5 |
| 1885 | 6 |
| 1888 | 8 |
| 1892 | 6 |
| 1894 | 8 |
| 1896 | 6 |
| 1900 | 8 |
| 1905 | 5 |
| 1908 | 7 |
| 1909 | 6 |
| 1911 | 6 |
| 1912 | 11 |
| 1913 | 16 |
| 1914 | 18 |
| 1915 | 16 |
| 1916 | 16 |
| 1917 | 21 |
| 1918 | 32 |
| 1919 | 17 |
| 1920 | 24 |
| 1921 | 23 |
| 1922 | 18 |
| 1923 | 25 |
| 1924 | 28 |
| 1925 | 24 |
| 1926 | 17 |
| 1927 | 21 |
| 1928 | 14 |
| 1929 | 20 |
| 1930 | 22 |
| 1931 | 10 |
| 1932 | 20 |
| 1933 | 17 |
| 1934 | 16 |
| 1935 | 10 |
| 1936 | 12 |
| 1937 | 14 |
| 1938 | 12 |
| 1939 | 18 |
| 1940 | 15 |
| 1941 | 17 |
| 1942 | 13 |
| 1943 | 18 |
| 1944 | 12 |
| 1945 | 13 |
| 1946 | 21 |
| 1947 | 22 |
| 1948 | 19 |
| 1949 | 12 |
| 1950 | 18 |
| 1951 | 18 |
| 1952 | 17 |
| 1953 | 15 |
| 1954 | 14 |
| 1955 | 15 |
| 1956 | 25 |
| 1957 | 18 |
| 1958 | 19 |
| 1959 | 19 |
| 1960 | 16 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 11 |
| 1963 | 14 |
| 1964 | 18 |
| 1965 | 15 |
| 1966 | 15 |
| 1967 | 22 |
| 1968 | 18 |
| 1969 | 13 |
| 1970 | 13 |
| 1971 | 19 |
| 1972 | 20 |
| 1973 | 25 |
| 1974 | 22 |
| 1975 | 10 |
| 1976 | 21 |
| 1977 | 19 |
| 1978 | 23 |
| 1979 | 20 |
| 1980 | 24 |
| 1981 | 29 |
| 1982 | 17 |
| 1983 | 27 |
| 1984 | 17 |
| 1985 | 25 |
| 1986 | 29 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 18 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 2004 | 8 |