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Holly as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Holly

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The baby name Holly is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced HOL-ee (IPA: /ˈhɒli/ BrE, /ˈhɑːli/ AmE).

Holly is English in Origin.

Gender: Female
Syllables: 2.0
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HOL-ee (IPA: /ˈhɒli/ BrE, /ˈhɑːli/ AmE)

What is the meaning of the name Holly ?

The baby name Holly is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced HOL-ee (IPA: /ˈhɒli/ BrE, /ˈhɑːli/ AmE).

Holly is English in Origin.

An English nature name, Holly derives from the Old English holegn/holen, ultimately from Proto‑Germanic *hulinaz, denoting the holly tree - an evergreen with glossy leaves and red berries. Across Celtic and medieval English lore, holly symbolized protection, steadfastness, and good fortune, while Christian tradition linked its prickly leaves and berries to the Passion, making it a winter and Christmastide emblem. The name thus carries connotations of resilience and festive brightness.

Used as a given name since the late 19th century, Holly gained broad popularity in Britain and the United States in the mid‑20th century, boosted by Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly (and the 1961 film adaptation). It is now a familiar, gently vintage choice, predominantly feminine today. Common variants and spellings include Hollie (especially in the UK), Holley, Holli, and Holleigh; related surnames‑turned‑given‑names include Hollis. Short forms include Hols.

Holly has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Holly

Holly Marie Combs Actor · Born 1973 · United States Holly Marie Combs is an American actress best known for her role as Piper Halliwell in the television series 'Charmed'. She also gained recognition for her role as Kimberly Brock in 'Picket Fences'. Born in 1973, Holly has been a familiar face on TV screens in the United States for many years. Holly Valance Actor · Born 1983 · Australia Holly Valance is an Australian actress and singer who gained fame for her role as Felicity Scully on the popular TV show Neighbours. She also had a successful music career, with her hit single 'Kiss Kiss' reaching the top of the charts. Born in 1983, Holly continues to be a recognized figure in entertainment. Holly Robinson Peete Actor · Born 1964 · United States Holly Robinson Peete is an American actress best known for her role as Judy Hoffs on the TV series 21 Jump Street. She also starred in the sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and has appeared in various other television shows and films. Beyond acting, she is an advocate for autism awareness and co-founded the HollyRod Foundation with her husband, Rodney Peete.
Holly Taylor Actor · Born 1997 · United States Holly Taylor is best known for her role as Paige Jennings in the TV series 'The Americans'. Born in 1997 in the United States, she showcased her talent in this critically acclaimed show, which explored the lives of two Soviet spies posing as an American couple during the Cold War.

Celebrity babies named Holly

Name Last Name(s) Mother Mother famous for Fame Level Father Father famous for Fame Level
Holly Palance Jack Palance television actor ★★★★★

Holly – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
Ireland Girls 2025 #1 — 874
Germany Girls 2025 #1 — 411
FJ Girls 0 #9 1 583
KR Girls 0 #15 1 572
New Zealand Girls 2010 #26 124 98
ID 0 #39 1 2,238
MO 0 #49 4 2,706
PR 0 #55 1 1,497
CY 0 #60 1 1,632
LU 0 #66 1 2,830
CN 0 #75 11 3,857
JP 0 #76 2 4,057
MD Girls 0 #92 1 865
AF Girls 0 #94 1 2,402
TW 0 #96 8 4,523
QA 0 #106 1 7,011
GE Girls 0 #107 2 1,564
PH 0 #109 2 5,607
OM 0 #119 3 6,215
CY Girls 0 #125 1 3,755
Switzerland Girls 2024 #134 2 1,786
GR 0 #134 2 3,911
CR 0 #136 23 5,526
BN Boys 0 #139 1 6,332
Sweden Girls 2022 #149 31 1,568
MT Girls 0 #149 5 3,773
BW Girls 0 #151 1 4,216
BW Boys 0 #154 1 4,685
AE 0 #165 13 10,220
SI Girls 0 #177 1 2,769
LU Girls 0 #186 5 4,850
RU 0 #193 2 3,641
Canada Girls 2024 #200 86 2,795
DK 0 #205 2 5,198
CN Girls 0 #211 155 8,829
BG Boys 0 #220 1 3,850
MO Girls 0 #221 31 7,056
HU Girls 0 #223 3 3,308
NA Girls 0 #230 8 7,146
BG Girls 0 #231 1 3,559
GH 0 #244 5 5,396
GR Girls 0 #246 4 6,293
AO Boys 0 #248 2 5,568
JP Girls 0 #248 4 6,592
NA Boys 0 #248 6 6,830
TW Girls 0 #251 26 8,139
TW Boys 0 #256 1 7,111
EC Girls 0 #258 1 3,650
JM Girls 0 #270 9 7,507
NG 0 #270 3 5,926
AF Boys 0 #274 1 3,535
SG 0 #276 7 11,010
IL 0 #281 2 6,291
HK 0 #290 59 8,483
JM Boys 0 #292 2 6,876
HR Girls 0 #293 2 3,687
CZ Boys 0 #305 1 6,530
SA 0 #306 7 10,560
HK Girls 0 #307 376 16,104
CN Boys 0 #323 9 9,639
PE 0 #328 2 6,350
DK Girls 0 #329 1 7,429
KZ Girls 0 #330 3 5,862
GH Girls 0 #335 3 6,973
QA Girls 0 #335 9 15,378
GH Boys 0 #336 10 8,138
GT 0 #337 2 5,948
JO Girls 0 #337 3 7,570
CZ Girls 0 #347 5 5,378
MY 0 #350 5 12,352
SD Girls 0 #356 3 7,678
United States Girls 2024 #359 739 8,487
BR 0 #360 1 5,969
MU Girls 0 #361 2 8,539
PL Girls 0 #363 2 5,096
MU Boys 0 #369 1 8,477
PH Girls 0 #380 11 13,098
PT Boys 0 #381 1 7,951
OM Girls 0 #386 11 15,987
YE 0 #397 2 8,639
France Girls 2021 #402 4 3,185
PH Boys 0 #404 5 11,440
BD Girls 0 #405 2 8,413
CR Girls 0 #407 126 11,342
BO 0 #408 1 6,868
EG 0 #408 5 6,387
Austria Girls 0 #411 10 1,885
ZA 0 #421 27 14,421
Germany 0 #424 14 2,542
MX 0 #441 5 8,339
RU Girls 0 #448 51 11,913
SD Boys 0 #462 5 10,523
PT Girls 0 #470 2 7,952
AE Girls 0 #496 58 20,968
HK Boys 0 #498 30 12,905
GT Boys 0 #499 1 7,625
PA Boys 0 #504 2 9,305
PS Girls 0 #507 17 10,981
CR Boys 0 #508 3 10,188
CO 0 #509 2 7,768
PA Girls 0 #513 6 9,861
RU Boys 0 #520 7 12,621
IQ Girls 0 #521 5 11,303
SG Girls 0 #528 59 18,916
UY Girls 0 #535 2 6,731
GT Girls 0 #536 6 7,500
IR Girls 0 #538 8 8,334
CM Boys 0 #541 10 12,054
LY 0 #553 7 12,703
CM Girls 0 #555 6 11,671
PS Boys 0 #555 7 10,655
KW Girls 0 #556 6 19,177
IR Boys 0 #562 4 10,162
BH 0 #583 5 17,937
BD Boys 0 #601 5 10,045
IL Girls 0 #603 15 11,648
IL Boys 0 #620 6 10,983
BO Girls 0 #650 2 9,488
IN Girls 0 #652 3 13,121
IT 0 #661 54 4,183
LB 0 #687 4 13,263
IQ Boys 0 #691 7 13,071
CL Boys 0 #697 4 13,390
Finland Girls 2026 #708 31 3,895
SG Boys 0 #734 6 17,960
QA Boys 0 #741 3 18,093
NG Girls 0 #749 38 15,093
SY 0 #765 3 11,684
Germany Girls 0 #767 72 4,949
BR Boys 0 #783 3 12,213
KW Boys 0 #804 3 18,755
United States Boys 2004 #825 8 7,246
CL Girls 0 #836 16 14,098
TN 0 #861 5 13,765
EG Boys 0 #866 21 15,035
NG Boys 0 #893 59 16,906
NL Girls 0 #894 62 5,933
Germany Boys 0 #904 49 5,697
EG Girls 0 #904 56 14,742
OM Boys 0 #914 5 17,948
SA Girls 0 #915 21 25,931
PE Girls 0 #916 28 14,861
PE Boys 0 #922 5 14,506
Spain Girls 0 #929 55 5,561
MY Girls 0 #934 61 24,821
ZA Girls 0 #971 171 25,928
MX Boys 0 #972 11 16,355
CO Boys 0 #976 6 15,656
BR Girls 0 #988 5 12,708
IN Boys 0 #1,037 3 16,750
CO Girls 0 #1,039 40 16,140
MY Boys 0 #1,088 24 25,439
ZA Boys 0 #1,096 83 25,619
MA 0 #1,111 18 20,986
AE Boys 0 #1,137 7 22,615
MX Girls 0 #1,140 44 17,781
IT Girls 0 #1,157 292 9,415
DZ 0 #1,161 16 20,130
TR 0 #1,194 18 19,440
IT Boys 0 #1,383 89 10,046
SA Boys 0 #1,600 15 28,008

Holly is popular in 85 countries — most recent births per country:

Scotland, United Kingdom
Ireland
Canada
France
England & Wales, United Kingdom

Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!

People also ask about Holly

Holly is predominantly a girl's name.
Holly is a 2 syllable name, pronounced HOL-ee (IPA: /ˈhɒli/ BrE, /ˈhɑːli/ AmE).
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Hollie, Holley, Holli, Hollye and Hollyn.
Yes, very popular — Holly ranked #1 in Ireland in 2025, and appears in official birth registries across 12 countries.
Holly ranks highest in Ireland (#1 in 2025).
Holly's popularity is holding steady. It moved from #1 in 2015 to #1 in 2025 in Ireland.
Yes — 4 notable people named Holly are in our database, including Holly Marie Combs (Actor), Holly Valance (Actor), Holly Robinson Peete (Actor).
Yes — at least 1 celebrity couple has chosen Holly for their child, including Jack Palance.