Holly

Holly is an English female first name that derives from the homonymous plant term "the holly tree." The name translates to "the holly" (also known as the evergreen Christ thorn) or "the bringer of luck" (as the plant is commonly regarded as a symbol of good fortune).

What does the name Holly mean?

Holly is an English female first name that derives from the homonymous plant term "the holly tree." The name translates to "the holly" (also known as the evergreen Christ thorn) or "the bringer of luck" (as the plant is commonly regarded as a symbol of good fortune). The origin of Holly lies in the Old English word holen for "the holly." Since holly is used as decoration during Christmas, Holly is a name for girls born around this time or afterward in Great Britain and Ireland. In the English-speaking world, the name has only been given since the beginning of the 20th century. Another spelling variant is Hollie.

Where does the name Holly come from?

Etymology Holly is a female first name of Old English origin meaning "the holly." Old English

How do you pronounce Holly?

Sound & pronunciation of Holly: The name Holly is two syllables and has a soft rhythm. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as "Hol-ly" [ˈhɔli], beginning with a darker O sound that conveys rounding. The ending "-y" sounds light and friendly. Holly feels modern and vibrant - a name with a clear line and charming presence.

Popularity

Holly is a very popular name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 348th in the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was in 2016 at 303rd place. In the last ten years, Holly has been given as a first name about 1,600 times, placing it 358th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 385th.

Nicknames & pet names

Dolly / Frau Holle / Ho / Hollepolle / Hollienchen / Hollollol / Holltroll / Hollyly / Holy / Honey / Lolly / Ly

Famous people

• Holly Black (writer)
• Holly Blakney (American actress)
• Holly Brisley (Australian actress)
• Holly Combs (actress from the USA)
• Holly Cook (figure skater from France)
• Holly Cornford (English ice hockey player)
• Holly Dale (film director from Canada)
• Holly Earl (British actress)
• Holly Fields (actress)
• Holly Flanders (American alpine ski racer)
• Holly Fulger (American actress)
• Holly Fulton (designer from Great Britain)
• Holly Gennaro McClane (character from the movie "Die Hard")
• Holly Golightly (main character in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's")
• Holly Hills (character from the book series "Diary of a Wimpy Kid")
• Holly Hobbie (American writer)
• Holly Hull (English singer)
• Holly Hunter (actress)
• Holly Johnson (singer of Frankie goes to Hollywood)
• Holly Kearl (American writer)