Polly is a female given name of English origin, derived from the diminutive form of the name Mary. The name Mary has its roots in the Hebrew language and means "bitter sea" or "rebelliousness." When used as a diminutive, Polly often conveys a sense of friendliness, charm, and vitality.
The name Polly has been popular throughout history, with notable bearers including Polly Bergen, an American actress known for her roles in film, television, and theater; and Polly Jean Harvey, an English singer-songwriter who has received multiple Grammy nominations. Despite its long-standing use, the name Polly remains uncommon today, making it a unique choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive name with historical roots.
In literature and popular culture, Polly is also associated with several notable characters, such as Pollyanna, the protagonist of Eleanor H. Porter's series of children's books; and Polly, the lead character in the musical "Chess," composed by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice. These fictional representations have contributed to the name Polly being perceived as warm-hearted, optimistic, and spirited.
In summary, Polly is a charming and unique English given name with roots in the Hebrew language. Its meaning carries connotations of bitterness or rebellion, but its diminutive form often conveys friendliness and vitality. With notable historical bearers and appearances in literature and popular culture, Polly remains an uncommon yet distinctive choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name with historical roots and character.
The statistics provided show the number of births for the name Polly in the United States over a span of years from 1918 to 1931. During this period, there were five girls named Polly born in 1918, followed by eight Polly's in 1924, and another five in 1930. The year 1931 saw six babies given the name Polly. In total, over these four years, there were twenty-four girls named Polly born in the United States. These statistics highlight how the popularity of the name varied slightly throughout this decade, but overall maintained a consistent presence among baby names during this time period.