Molly
Molly is a girl name of Irish/Hebrew origin meaning “Star of the sea”, pronounced MOL-ee. It ranked #196 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,601 babies, and peaked at #74 in 1991. Common nicknames: Moll, Mols.
How popular is Molly in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Molly mean, and where does it come from?
Molly began as a medieval English and Irish pet form of Mary, the biblical name rooted in the Hebrew Miriam and often interpreted as "star of the sea" or "beloved." For centuries it has been beloved in Ireland, where it feels almost synonymous with warmth and good humour — think of the folk song "Molly Malone." Today Molly stands firmly on its own, a cheerful vintage charmer alongside Maggie, Sadie, and Nora. It manages to be both wholesome and spirited, which is why generations of parents keep returning to its friendly, freckle-faced appeal.
How is Molly used around the world?
Molly is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants. A medieval English diminutive of Mary, ultimately from the Hebrew Miriam..
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Molly?
Famous People Named Molly
- Molly Ringwald — American actress of 1980s teen films
- Molly Weasley — character in the Harry Potter series
- Margaret "Molly" Brown — survivor of the Titanic known as "the Unsinkable Molly Brown"
Similar Names to Molly
If you like Molly, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Molly
Looking for names that pair well with Molly? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Molly mean?
Molly is a girl name of Irish/Hebrew origin meaning "Star of the sea." Molly began as a medieval English and Irish pet form of Mary, the biblical name rooted in the Hebrew Miriam and often interpreted as "star of the sea" or "beloved." For centuries it has been beloved in Ireland, where it feels almost synonymous with warmth and good humour — think of the folk song "Molly Malone.
How do you pronounce Molly?
Molly is pronounced MOL-ee. Common variations include Mollie, Moll.
Is Molly a girl name?
Yes, Molly is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Moll, Mols.