Holly

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Holly; To Prick

Background: The name Holly originates from the English word for the holly plant, which is commonly associated with winter and festive occasions. This term derives from the Latin word 'holly,' meaning 'to prick,' referring to the sharp spines of the holly leaves.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#196
Total births
206,089
Most popular decade
1980s (149,634 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+29 ranks)
Years in Top 100
24
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.7% male 99.3% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
5
First year rank
#909
Peak year
1918
Peak year births
32
Peak rank
#1,231
Most recent year
2004
Recent year births
8
Recent rank
#8,141

Female

First year
1893
First year births
8
First year rank
#1,091
Peak year
1983
Peak year births
6,388
Peak rank
#48
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
739
Recent rank
#419

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links