Dollie is a diminutive form of the name Dolly or Dollye, which is derived from the given name Dorothy. The name Dorothy originated in England and was introduced to America by German and English settlers. It means "gift of God" in Greek.
The use of Dollie as a given name can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. However, it became more popular during the mid-20th century when celebrities such as Dolly Parton gained fame and recognition. Despite its popularity at that time, Dollie has never been among the top 1000 most popular names for girls in the United States.
Today, Dollie is still used as a given name but it remains relatively rare compared to other names. Some famous individuals with this name include Dollie Brice, an American silent film actress born in the early 20th century, and Dollie Barnes, an American jazz singer who was active during the mid-20th century.
In summary, Dollie is a diminutive form of Dorothy that means "gift of God". It has been used as a given name since the early 20th century but never achieved widespread popularity. Its use as a celebrity name has helped to maintain its visibility over time.
The name Dollie experienced significant popularity and variation throughout its recorded history. It peaked between the late 1880s to early 1920s with over 300 births per year during several years, reaching a high of 454 in 1921. After World War II, its usage declined dramatically, falling below 100 births per year starting in the late 1940s and continuing until the present day. Since the 1970s, it has been rare, with fewer than 20 births per year. In recent years (2017-2023), there have been between 5 to 17 births per year, indicating that while still uncommon, the name Dollie continues to be used occasionally.