Dolly

What does the baby name Dolly mean? Learn about what Dolly means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Dolly - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Dolly: D-O-L-L-Y, is a 5-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Dolly: DAHL-ee; DOLL ee
Meaning of Dolly: Gift of god, cute child, god's gift.
Origin of Dolly: The name 'Dolly' has a rich history that can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated as a diminutive of the name Dorothy, which itself comes from the Greek name Dorothea, meaning 'gift of God'. The earliest known use of the name 'Dolly' can be found in England, where it gained popularity in the 18th century.; American Names; Anglo Saxon Names; British Names; Celebrity Names; English Names; Greek Names; Pet Names; Scottish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Dolly: Dody; Doortje; Dorika; Dorinda; Dorothy; Dot; Dotty
Popularity of Dolly: 'Dolly' experienced a surge in popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. It became a popular nickname for girls named Dorothy, and its usage continued to rise throughout the years. Notable spikes in popularity can be seen in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the influence of famous figures bearing the name.; Dolly currently has 120 likes, and is in the top 6% of liked girl's names. The name Carys is slightly more popular than Dolly.

Etymology of Dolly

The etymology of the name 'Dolly' can be traced back to the Greek word 'doron', meaning 'gift', and 'theos', meaning 'God'. This beautiful combination reflects the belief that a child named 'Dolly' is a precious gift from above. It is a name that carries a sense of grace and divine blessing.

Cultural Significance of Dolly

'Dolly' has a special place in various cultural contexts. In the United States, the name 'Dolly' became associated with the iconic country singer 'Dolly' Parton. Her talent, charisma, and philanthropy have made her a beloved figure, and her name has become synonymous with warmth, kindness, and authenticity.

In addition, 'Dolly' is also significant in the world of literature. The character 'Dolly' Levi, created by Thornton Wilder in his play 'The Matchmaker', later adapted into the musical 'Hello, 'Dolly '!', has become an enduring symbol of wit, charm, and matchmaking prowess.