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Poppy Girl

Popularity: #310 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPOP-ee / /ˈpɒpi/

Latin; English

Meaning

Latin: flower; English: derived from the flower name

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Poppy derives from the Latin word "pappa," which means "father" or "daddy," but its more direct etymological roots can be traced to the Old English "popige," referring to the flower of the same name. The term was adopted into Middle English as "popi" and later evolved into the modern form "poppy." The flower itself has been associated with sleep, peace, and death, largely due to its connection with opium, which is derived from the poppy plant. This linguistic journey reflects a broader cultural significance, as the flower has been a symbol in various traditions and has appeared in literature and art throughout history.

Historically, the poppy flower has been significant in various cultures, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was associated with the goddess Demeter and the god Morpheus, the deity of dreams. In the context of Christianity, the poppy has been linked to the concept of resurrection and eternal life, often appearing in religious art. The name Poppy itself gained traction in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, coinciding with the Victorian fascination with floral names and their meanings, which were often imbued with deeper emotional or symbolic significance.

The name's cultural resonance is further enhanced by its use in literature and poetry, where the poppy often symbolizes sleep, dreams, and the fleeting nature of life. Notably, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance, particularly in relation to World War I, where it was popularized by the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915. This association has contributed to the enduring nature of the name Poppy, as it evokes themes of memory and sacrifice. The diminutive form "Pops" has also emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familial connection to the name.

Trend Summary

Poppy has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Poppie

International Variants

  • Pavlina (Slavic)
  • Papavero (Italian)

Famous people named Poppy

Poppy is a singer and songwriter best known for her albums Poppy.Computer, Am I a Girl?, and I Disagree.

Poppy is a YouTuber and internet personality best known for her surreal videos and music career.

Fictional characters named Poppy

Poppy is a fictional character from the animated film Trolls. She is the optimistic and cheerful leader of the Trolls who embarks on a journey to save her friends.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Poppy was first seen in the United States in 1919. Poppy has ranked as high as #546 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Washington, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Poppy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Poppy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 131
15%
NY 55
6%
TX 53
6%
PA 38
4%
FL 37
4%
OH 32
4%
VA 32
4%
WA 31
4%
TN 30
3%
NC 30
3%
UT 29
3%
MA 28
3%
MO 27
3%
MN 24
3%
CO 22
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19197
19235
19245
19256
19268
19275
19287
19317
19366
19426
19436
19455
19518
19526
19535
19548
19559
19568
19575
19588
19617
19635
19649
19655
19676
196810
196910
197014
197124
197253
197365
197454
197541
197637
197717
197815
197914
19809
198112
19828
19845
19935
19996
20006
20019
200210
20038
200425
200557
200670
200761
200873
200992
2010121
2011131
2012173
2013180
2014246
2015260
2016382
2017430
2018521
2019635
2020676
2021790
2022956
20231,076
2024928