Dog Names > Holly

Holly

Female

Meaning

Plant With Red Berries

Origin

British

Pronunciation

/ˈhɒli/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Holly is a pawsitively fetching dog name! It's got a festive vibe, thanks to the evergreen plant associated with Christmas. Plus, it's a nod to Hollywood, perfect for a pup with star quality. Holly Golightly, anyone? It's also a sweet throwback to the etymology of the name, derived from 'holy'. So, if your dog's behavior is more saintly than slobbery, Holly could be a divine fit. And let's not forget Holly Hobbie, the beloved character known for her resourcefulness and kindness. So, if you're looking for a name that's fun, festive, and full of character, Holly is a tail-wagging winner!

Traits associated with the name Holly:

Dogs named Holly tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and resilient. This feminine name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.

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

Naming your dog Holly suggests that you are a fan of classic, traditional names. It also suggests that you are a fan of the holiday season, as Holly is a popular name for Christmas decorations.

Is Holly a good dog name?

Holly 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. Holly is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

127

New York City Dog Name Database

103

Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

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

Popularity: Historical Trend

Holly was, in the past month, the 107th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of May 2025, Holly is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.

We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.

In the past week, Holly was viewed 60 times, and liked 0 times.

Popularity: United States

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

Holly is most adored in Maryland, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

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

Popularity: Around The World

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

Holly is found in these categories:

nature

Derived from a plant bearing red berries, often associated with winter and Christmas.

cute

Evokes festive cheer and sweetness, like Christmas holly berries.

flower

Holly is a plant with red berries often used in Christmas decorations.

british

Associated with Christmas tradition, symbolizing peace and protection in folklore.

winter

This name is inspired by a plant commonly associated with Christmas and festive season.

old-fashioned

Popular during the 50s, this moniker harks back to simpler, nostalgic times.

Dog names like Holly:

Hazel

The Hazel Tree

Daisy

Day's eye. The petals of a daisy open during the day, revealing its yellow centers, and then close at night.

Ivy

Climbing Vine Plant

Stella

Star

Olive

Olive Or From The Olive Tree

Poppy

From The Flower

Comments (1)

🇺🇸

Ms.poo (Oregon, United States)

My dog is named “plant with red berries”
August 15, 2022

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