Molly, of Irish origin, is a charming and timeless given name for girls. It's a diminutive of Mary, meaning 'bitter sea' or 'rebellious'. Molly was popularized in the 19th century through works like 'The Mill on the Floss' by George Eliot and 'Molly Make-Believe' by Louisa May Alcott. Today, it remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a classic yet approachable name.
The name Molley appears to have had periods of popularity with a significant spike occurring between 1986 and 2005. After 2005, the number of births drops off significantly until 2012 where it picks up slightly again. Overall, there were a total of 231 babies named Molley born between 1918 and 2012.