Pollyanna is a unique and charming girl's name of American origin. It was created by the author Eleanor H. Porter for her popular novel "Pollyanna," published in 1913. The story revolves around an orphaned girl who remains optimistic and cheerful despite her difficult circumstances, due to a game her father taught her called "The Glad Game." In this game, players must find something to be glad about in every situation.
While the name Pollyanna may have been invented for literary purposes, its meaning is often associated with optimism, happiness, and positivity. Some people believe that the name itself has no inherent meaning but rather serves as a symbol of these qualities. Despite this, it has gained popularity as a given name due to its associations with the positive and resilient character from Porter's novel.
In terms of history, Pollyanna was not a common name before Eleanor H. Porter introduced her character in the early 20th century. However, after the publication of "Pollyanna," the name began to appear more frequently among baby girls born in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Today, while it may still be considered somewhat unusual or old-fashioned by some, Pollyanna remains a beloved and distinctive name choice for parents who wish to bestow optimism and positivity upon their daughters.
In summary, Pollyanna is an American girl's name created by Eleanor H. Porter for her novel of the same name. The name has come to be associated with qualities such as optimism and happiness, although it does not have a specific meaning beyond its literary origins. Despite being less common than many other names, Pollyanna has gained popularity among parents who appreciate its unique history and positive associations.
The name Pollyanne has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1962 and 1971, there were a total of 22 babies named Pollyanne.
In 1962, there were 7 births with this unique name. However, its popularity declined slightly in subsequent years, with only 5 births each recorded for the years 1964, 1965, and 1971 respectively.
Despite these fluctuations, it's notable that Pollyanne has maintained a consistent presence among baby names during this decade-long span, with an average of approximately 2 births per year.