Holly
Holly first appears in US records in 1893. It peaked in 1983, when 6,388 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 751.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Holly popular?
Steady Holly has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1983.
| 2020s | 4,183 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 6,785 | |
| 2000s | 11,597 | |
| 1990s | 27,072 | |
| 1980s | 49,653 | |
| 1970s | 50,464 | |
| 1960s | 32,144 | |
| 1950s | 18,633 | |
| 1940s | 3,961 | |
| 1930s | 415 | |
| 1920s | 199 | |
| 1910s | 133 | |
| 1900s | 35 | |
| 1890s | 30 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Holly mean?
Holly comes from the evergreen holly tree, long tied to Christmas. It is a favourite for girls born in the winter season.
Nicknames for Holly
- Hol
Variants & spellings
- Hollie
- Holli
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Holly a boy or a girl name?
Holly is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Holly a popular name right now?
Holly has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1983.
How popular is the name Holly?
In 2025, Holly ranked #416 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Holly most popular?
Holly was most popular in 1983, when about 6,388 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Holly?
Common nicknames for Holly include Hol.