Holly Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Holly Name Meaning

Fact: Holly is symbolically linked to protection, hope, and eternal life. In many cultures, it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits​

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A Deep Dive

Holly Overview

Meaning

Holly tree

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word “holegn” meaning “holly tree.”

Pronunciation

/ˈhɒli/

Popularity

Holly is particularly cherished in English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and the USA. In 2023, Holly ranked #470 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Seasonal, Classic

Associated Traits

Creative, warm, nurturing, loyal

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The holly plant is often associated with Christmas, symbolizing protection and eternal life in various cultures.

Name Day

December 22nd (Estonia)
A Deep Dive

Holly Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Hollis, Holland, Holiday, Hollin, Hollyn

Common Nicknames

Holl, Lee, Holls, Lolly, Ollie

Diminutives

Hol, Holly-B, H

Famous People

  • Holly Hunter
    (American Actress)
  • Holly Woodlawn
    (Puerto Rican-born American Actress)
  • Holly Willoughby
    (British TV Host)
  • Holly Marie Combs
    (American Actress)
  • Holly Deane
    (English Dancer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Holly Golightly
    ("Breakfast at Tiffany's," Film)
  • Holly White
    ("Breaking Bad," TV Series)
  • Holly Hills
    ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Film)
  • "Holly"
    (2014 Song by Justin Bieber)
  • Holly Gibney
    ("Mr. Mercedes," TV Series)

Places

  • Holly Springs Town
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Mount Holly City
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Holly River State Park
    (West Virginia, USA)
  • Holly Beach
    (Louisiana, USA)
  • Holly Hill City
    (Florida, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Holly?

Holly is a name associated with the evergreen plant that symbolizes protection and good fortune. Those named Holly often carry a sense of warmth, vitality, and natural charm, reflecting the plant’s year-round resilience and beauty.

What Is the Origin of The Name Holly?

The name Holly originates from the Old English word “holen,” which refers to the holly tree. It has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, drawing inspiration from nature and its festive associations.

Holly Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Holly in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4662021#4582022#4492023
Top 3 Rankings#481979#491983#521977

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Holly

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023449
(+9 from 2022)
681
(-10 from 2022)
0.03893
2022458
(+8 from 2021)
691
(+19 from 2021)
0.03854
2021466
(+12 from 2020)
672
(+34 from 2020)
0.03751
2020478
(+5 from 2019)
638
(-12 from 2019)
0.03609
2019483
(+27 from 2018)
650
(+42 from 2018)
0.03542
2018510
(-17 from 2017)
608
(-26 from 2017)
0.03269
2017493
(+34 from 2016)
634
(+45 from 2016)
0.03356
2016527
(-36 from 2015)
589
(-64 from 2015)
0.03043
2015491
(-43 from 2014)
653
(-61 from 2014)
0.03347
2014448
(+2 from 2013)
714
(+31 from 2013)
0.03650
2013450
(-25 from 2012)
683
(-57 from 2012)
0.03543
2012425
(-5 from 2011)
740
(+2 from 2011)
0.03815
2011420
(-11 from 2010)
738
(-36 from 2010)
0.03809
2010409
(-29 from 2009)
774
(-84 from 2009)
0.03948
2009380
(-16 from 2008)
858
(-49 from 2008)
0.04237
2008364
(-25 from 2007)
907
(-69 from 2007)
0.04355
2007339
(+7 from 2006)
976
(+21 from 2006)
0.04611
2006346
(-36 from 2005)
955
(-85 from 2005)
0.04568
2005310
(-17 from 2004)
1040
(-79 from 2004)
0.05124
2004293
(-32 from 2003)
1119
(-108 from 2003)
0.05546
2003261
(-30 from 2002)
1227
(-136 from 2002)
0.06115
2002231
(-13 from 2001)
1363
(-99 from 2001)
0.06901
2001218
(-29 from 2000)
1462
(-228 from 2000)
0.07380
2000189
(-9 from 1999)
1690
(-59 from 1999)
0.08468
1999180
(-17 from 1998)
1749
(-172 from 1998)
0.08984
1998163
(-11 from 1997)
1921
(-135 from 1997)
0.09910
1997152
(-22 from 1996)
2056
(-382 from 1996)
0.10769
1996130
(-4 from 1995)
2438
(-106 from 1995)
0.12716
1995126
(-14 from 1994)
2544
(-380 from 1994)
0.13239
1994112
(-4 from 1993)
2924
(-108 from 1993)
0.15000
1993108
(-9 from 1992)
3032
(-315 from 1992)
0.15379
199299
(+6 from 1991)
3347
(+58 from 1991)
0.16696
1991105
(-16 from 1990)
3289
(-483 from 1990)
0.16175
199089
(-10 from 1989)
3772
(-121 from 1989)
0.18361
198979
(-7 from 1988)
3893
(-324 from 1988)
0.19541
198872
(-1 from 1987)
4217
(-42 from 1987)
0.21928
198771
(-9 from 1986)
4259
(-580 from 1986)
0.22724
198662
(-6 from 1985)
4839
(-763 from 1985)
0.26221
198556
(-3 from 1984)
5602
(-328 from 1984)
0.30342
198453
(-4 from 1983)
5930
(-457 from 1983)
0.32884
198349
(+12 from 1982)
6387
(+1705 from 1982)
0.35688
198261
(+2 from 1981)
4682
(+118 from 1981)
0.25806
198163
(-11 from 1980)
4564
(-719 from 1980)
0.25518
198052
(-4 from 1979)
5283
(-204 from 1979)
0.29669
197948
(+7 from 1978)
5487
(+515 from 1978)
0.31840
197855
(-3 from 1977)
4972
(-492 from 1977)
0.30245
197752
(+4 from 1976)
5464
(+291 from 1976)
0.33216
197656
(-1 from 1975)
5173
(+126 from 1975)
0.32909
197555
(+1 from 1974)
5047
(-98 from 1974)
0.32335
197456
(-2 from 1973)
5145
(+31 from 1973)
0.32849
197354
(+17 from 1972)
5114
(+739 from 1972)
0.32906
197271
(+5 from 1971)
4375
(-371 from 1971)
0.27131
197176
(-2 from 1970)
4746
(-194 from 1970)
0.27080
197074
(+13 from 1969)
4940
(+817 from 1969)
0.26967
196987
(+16 from 1968)
4123
(+702 from 1968)
0.23390
1968103
(+6 from 1967)
3421
(+269 from 1967)
0.20010
1967109
(-9 from 1966)
3152
(-247 from 1966)
0.18359
1966100
(+13 from 1965)
3399
(+41 from 1965)
0.19359
1965113
(+8 from 1964)
3358
(-121 from 1964)
0.18375
1964121
(+11 from 1963)
3479
(+344 from 1963)
0.17774
1963132
(+16 from 1962)
3135
(+211 from 1962)
0.15769
1962148
(+13 from 1961)
2924
(+349 from 1961)
0.14426
1961161
No change from 1960
2575
(-2 from 1960)
0.12397
1960161
(+7 from 1959)
2577
(+286 from 1959)
0.12391
1959168
No change from 1958
2291
(+49 from 1958)
0.11022
1958168
(-11 from 1957)
2242
(-152 from 1957)
0.10853
1957157
(+5 from 1956)
2394
(+69 from 1956)
0.11410
1956162
(-18 from 1955)
2325
(-179 from 1955)
0.11289
1955144
(+22 from 1954)
2504
(+412 from 1954)
0.12489
1954166
(+33 from 1953)
2092
(+526 from 1953)
0.10508
1953199
(+15 from 1952)
1566
(+248 from 1952)
0.08116
1952214
(+23 from 1951)
1318
(+249 from 1951)
0.06930
1951237
(+29 from 1950)
1069
(+235 from 1950)
0.05787
1950266
(+41 from 1949)
834
(+203 from 1949)
0.04743
1949307
(-13 from 1948)
631
(-42 from 1948)
0.03594
1948294
(+1 from 1947)
673
(-35 from 1947)
0.03862
1947295
(+36 from 1946)
708
(+201 from 1946)
0.03895
1946331
(+22 from 1945)
507
(+125 from 1945)
0.03143
1945353
(+62 from 1944)
382
(+77 from 1944)
0.02838
1944415
(-5 from 1943)
305
(-13 from 1943)
0.02232
1943410
(+79 from 1942)
318
(+88 from 1942)
0.02215
1942489
(+122 from 1941)
230
(+96 from 1941)
0.01654
1941611
(+216 from 1940)
134
(+60 from 1940)
0.01075
1940827
(-3 from 1939)
74
(+4 from 1939)
0.00626
1939824
(+42 from 1938)
70
(+4 from 1938)
0.00617
1938866
(+151 from 1937)
66
(+18 from 1937)
0.00578
19371017
(-38 from 1936)
48
(-1 from 1936)
0.00436
1936979
(+60 from 1935)
49
(+5 from 1935)
0.00455
19351039
(+333 from 1934)
44
(+16 from 1934)
0.00405
19341372
(+98 from 1933)
28
(+3 from 1933)
0.00259
19331470
(-177 from 1932)
25
(-7 from 1932)
0.00239
19321293
(+101 from 1931)
32
(+4 from 1931)
0.00289
19311394
(+175 from 1930)
28
(+3 from 1930)
0.00254
19301569
(+135 from 1929)
25
(+3 from 1929)
0.00214
19291704
(-24 from 1928)
22
(-2 from 1928)
0.00190
19281680
(-11 from 1927)
24
(-1 from 1927)
0.00201
19271669
(+263 from 1926)
25
(+5 from 1926)
0.00202
19261932
(+187 from 1925)
20
(+2 from 1925)
0.00163
19252119
(+18 from 1924)
18
No change from 1924
0.00143
19242137
(+32 from 1923)
18
(+1 from 1923)
0.00139
19232169
(-333 from 1922)
17
(-5 from 1922)
0.00136
19221836
(+542 from 1921)
22
(+7 from 1921)
0.00176
19212378
(-299 from 1920)
15
(-3 from 1920)
0.00117
19202079
(+561 from 1919)
18
(+6 from 1919)
0.00145
19192640
(-264 from 1918)
12
(-2 from 1918)
0.00102
19182376
(-603 from 1917)
14
(-6 from 1917)
0.00116
19171773
(+94 from 1916)
20
(+2 from 1916)
0.00178
19161867
(-67 from 1915)
18
No change from 1915
0.00166
19151800
(-60 from 1914)
18
(+3 from 1914)
0.00176
19141740
(+143 from 1913)
15
(+4 from 1913)
0.00188
19131883
(+98 from 1912)
11
(+2 from 1912)
0.00168
19121981
(-325 from 1911)
9
No change from 1911
0.00153
19111656
(+279 from 1910)
9
(+2 from 1910)
0.00204
19101935
(-578 from 1908)
7
(-3 from 1908)
0.00167
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19081357
(+27 from 1907)
10
(+1 from 1907)
0.00282
19071384
(-155 from 1906)
9
(-1 from 1906)
0.00267
19061229
(+430 from 1904)
10
(+4 from 1904)
0.00319
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19041659
(-63 from 1899)
6
(+1 from 1899)
0.00205
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18991596
(+104 from 1898)
5
No change from 1898
0.00202
18981700
(-437 from 1897)
5
(-2 from 1897)
0.00182
18971263
(+320 from 1896)
7
(+2 from 1896)
0.00282
18961583
(-492 from 1893)
5
(-3 from 1893)
0.00198
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18931091
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00355
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Holly

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4632021#5642022#4192023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4812021#5472022#5532023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4482021#5632022#5942023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4552021#3542022#4092023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#6702021#6912022#6562023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#5172021#5152022#4492023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3692021#4592022#4352023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#5862021#5682022#4512023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#4912021#5502022#5992023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#4832021#2482022#8922023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#5012021#2622022#3422023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#5922021#5242022#4372023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#4062021#2882022#4032023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4232021#4772022#5522023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#5722021#5822022#4262023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4912021#5262022#5672023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4612021#5302022#3952023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5432021#3422022#5052023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3212021#3272022#2472023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#5312021#6732022#2852023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#6242019#6192021#4692022

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#6882021#4442022#5292023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4792021#4932022#4882023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2492021#3222022#2942023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3102021#3762022#2782023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5832021#3282022#2392023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#8552020#5032022#7402023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3662021#2372022#4782023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#6652020#5062021#3102022

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4432021#6042022#3822023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2642020#6232021#3512023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2582021#2742022#4572023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4082021#3522022#7402023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3632020#4592021#3672023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2622014#3682017#2942019

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4472018#4312022#5812023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2362012#2472014#2252023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3392021#2022022#2992023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2342019#1642020#2132023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2102000#1672001#1572020

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2152018#2102019#1452022

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1051998#1882009#1852021

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2142020#2002022#3432023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1992007#1272008#1802023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3732018#3192019#3952023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1532001#2112005#2102006

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1102016#1722019#1462021

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1321996#1151997#1232001

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2131992#2521995#1962003

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#571994#651996#862000

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2491998#2062001#1542004

Popularity Rankings for Holly in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#312021#422022#402023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#532021#482022#642023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#732013#672014#982015

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#722019#812020#952021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1082021#932022#882023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1662021#1512022#1192023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#2882022#2022023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2222021#2762022#2322023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#2692021#3092022#2772023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5002016#4912017#4192019

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5422020#7452021#7622022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#6422015#8532018#9952021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Holly a Name for Boys or Girls?

Holly is mostly a girl’s name. Its fresh, vibrant feel and connection to nature make it a charming and timeless option for girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Holly

Holly in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Holly Hunter (Actress, born 1958): An American actress celebrated for her roles in "The Piano" and "Broadcast News."
  • Holly Woodlawn (Actress, 1946–2015): A Puerto Rican-born American actress and Warhol superstar.
  • Holly Willoughby (TV Host, born 1981): A British television presenter and model, co-host of "This Morning."
  • Holly Marie Combs (Actress, born 1973): An American actress best known for her roles in "Charmed" and "Pretty Little Liars."
  • Holly Deane (Dancer, 1927–1998): An English ballerina who performed with the Royal Ballet and in various international productions.
  • Holly Madison (TV Personality, born 1979): An American television personality and model, former star of "The Girls Next Door."
  • Holly Black (Author, born 1971): An American author renowned for her fantasy novels, including "The Spiderwick Chronicles."
  • Holly Golightly ("Breakfast at Tiffany's," 1961 Film): A free-spirited New York socialite who dreams of a better life.
  • Holly White ("Breaking Bad," 2008 TV Series): The infant daughter of Walter and Skyler White, representing hope and innocence.
  • Holly Hills ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid," 2010 Film): Greg Heffley's love interest and a popular girl in school.
  • "Holly" (2014 Song by Justin Bieber): A romantic song celebrating a girl named Holly.
  • Holly Gibney ("Mr. Mercedes," 2017 TV Series): A brilliant but socially awkward private investigator.
  • Holly J. Sinclair ("Degrassi: The Next Generation," 2001 TV Series): A popular and ambitious student at Degrassi Community School.
  • Holly Kennedy ("P.S. I Love You," 2007 Film): A widow who receives posthumous letters from her late husband, guiding her through her grief.
  • Holly Springs City (North Carolina, USA): A city in Wake County with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
  • Mount Holly City (North Carolina, USA): A small city in Gaston County near the Catawba River.
  • Holly River State Park (West Virginia, USA): A state park offering numerous outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
  • Holly Beach (Louisiana, USA): A coastal community in Cameron Parish, often referred to as the "Cajun Riviera."
  • Holly Lake (Texas, USA): A lake located in the Piney Woods region, popular for fishing and boating.
  • Holly Hill (Florida, USA): A city in Volusia County situated along the Halifax River.
  • Holly Forest (Devon, England): An ancient woodland in the heart of Devon.

Similar Names to Holly

Sibling Names for Holly

Parents Who Like the Name Holly Also Like

Naming your baby is a beautiful journey, and Holly is a name that brings so much joy and happiness. Keep exploring, and don’t hesitate to check out my comprehensive guide on baby names for more delightful choices!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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