Molly

Female

Meaning

Of The Sea Or Bitter

Origin

British

Pronunciation

/ˈmΙ‘li/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Molly, a name that's as sweet as a pup's wet nose, is such a top-tier choice! We've seen its popularity soaring recently, not only in the U.S. but in Latin America too.

It's got a rich history, being a popular moniker for Irish lasses, and it's also the name of Hermione Granger's badass mom in Harry Potter.

The name has a beautiful sound, and manages to be old-fashioned and childlike at the same time. We just love it!

So, whether your Molly is a wizard in training, an Irish setter, or a future hero, she's in good company. And let's not forget, it rhymes with 'jolly' - the perfect description for a dog's life!

Traits associated with the name Molly:

Dogs named Molly tend to be loving, good-natured, brave, and industrious. This feminine name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.

What does it say about you to have a dog named Molly?

Naming your dog Molly may suggest that you are a person who values traditional, classic names. It may also suggest that you are a person who values loyalty and companionship, as Molly is a name that is often associated with those qualities.

Is Molly a good dog name?

Molly has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Molly is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

22
PupNames logo
13
New York City Dog Name Database
14
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Molly is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Molly outranks the great majority of names.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Molly was, in the past month, the 6th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of December 2024, Molly is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.

In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.

In the past week, Molly was viewed 256 times, and liked 4 times.

Popularity: United States

The map below shows Molly's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.

Molly is most adored in Kansas, Maryland and Kentucky.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Vermont, Idaho and New Mexico.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Molly.

Most popular breeds named Molly:

  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. German Shepherd
  3. Cocker Spaniel
  4. Golden Retriever
  5. Chihuahua

Famous dogs named Molly:

  • literature icon A dog named Molly was a character in the book John Dies at the End by David Wong.

Molly is found in these categories:

old fashioned dog names
old-fashioned

Popular in the 1800s, this moniker harks back to Victorian canine companions.

british dog names
british

Popular female name, often used in classic British literature and folklore.

traditional dog names
traditional

Popularized by famous canines in literature and film over decades.

scottish dog names
scottish

Derived from Gaelic name Maili, meaning "bitter" or "star of the sea".

cute dog names
cute

Evokes sweetness, popularized by adorable canine characters in media.

Dog names like Molly:

Pearl
Diminutive Form Of Mildred Or Millicent
Bee
Pearl
Beautiful; short for Isabella.
Day's eye. The petals of a daisy open during the day, revealing its yellow centers, and then close at night.
Molly dog name meaning

Comments icon Comments (11)

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Adrianna (Pennsylvania, United States)
I think of Molly as a perfect name for a dog with a posh owner.
January 25, 2024

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Moli (Guatemala, Guatemala)
Linda my moli
May 19, 2023 β—† Translated

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Hendrick (Region del Biobio, Chile)
I like Firulay more
February 10, 2023 β—† Translated

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Elizabeth (Indiana, United States)
I love the name Molly. I named her before I even knew her. When she gets in trouble we call her Molly Ann
January 12, 2023

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Ivana (Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia)
I had a puppy again after a long time and I chose this name I loved it ❀️🌸 Molly my new companion
October 08, 2022 β—† Translated

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Molly (Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina)
It's a very nice name
September 08, 2022 β—† Translated

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Arislemis (Havana, Cuba)
Super beautiful since I heard it I loved it
July 06, 2022 β—† Translated

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Sofia (O'Higgins Region, Chile)
I have a dog named Molly and she is the same as the characteristics that appear here, she is Akita and chow chow ❀️❀️ 100% recommended
June 22, 2022 β—† Translated

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Maria (Tabasco, Mexico)
I'm lovin 'it
March 05, 2022 β—† Translated

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Alejandra (Departamento de Cochabamba, Bolivia)
Molly is the best name for a super recommended dog
January 09, 2022 β—† Translated

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Mayra (Mexico City, Mexico)
I loved it since I heard it
January 05, 2022 β—† Translated

Let us know what you think of Molly as a dog name!