Holly is a quite popular name for baby girls born around Christmas time. Holly is also considered the December flower so the name has become synonymous with the holiday season. Audrey Hepburn portrayed one of the most memorable fictional Holly characters in “Breakfast at Tiffany's”.
Meaning of the name Holly:
English: a refuge, shrub
Old English: “hol lēah” [dwelling by] the clearing by the hollow
Origin of the name Holly:
English. Holly was created from the Old English word “hol lēah” meaning “dwelling by the clearing by the hollow”. It is also an allusion of “a refuge” referring to the shrub which was used to build winter accommodations for elves inside people's home around Christmas time.
Symbolism of the name Holly:
The bows of the Holly tree are used to create safe havens for elves during the winter months, Holly symbolizes safety, protection, and shelter.
Style of the name Holly:
Classic
Gender of the name Holly:
Holly is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Holly:
ho(l)-ly
Syllables in the name Holly:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Holly:
The name Holly evokes a feeling of joy, warmth, and care.
Alternative spellings for the name Holly:
Hollie, Holley, Holli, Holleigh, Hollee, Hollye
Nicknames for the name Holly:
Lee, Hol
Popularity of the name Holly:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Holly was ranked as the 481st most popular girl name in 2020. In the last 20 years, it had its highest ranking in 2000 where it was the 189th most popular name.
Related names for the name Holly:
Holley, Hollie, Harley, Haylee, Hayley
Great middle names for Holly and their meanings:
- Anne (grace)
- Eve (life, animal)
- Grace (charm, goodness, generosity)
- Joy (happiness)
- Noelle (Christmas day)
- River (flowing body of water)
- Star (celestial body)
Famous people with the name Holly:
- Holly Miranda (singer)
- Holly Hunter (actor)
- Holly Robinson Peete (actor)
- Holley Fain (actor)
- Holly Marie Combs (actor)
Holly in movies/pop culture:
- Holly Gennero-MaClane (character from the “Die Hard” franchise)
- Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn's character in “Breakfast at Tiffany's”)
- Holly Holliday (character on “Glee”)