Molly
Meaning
Of The Sea Or Bitter
Origin
British
Pronunciation
/ΛmΙli/
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
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 15th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of July 2025, 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 216 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 New Mexico, Montana and Rhode Island.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Molly.
Most popular breeds named Molly:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
Famous dogs named Molly:
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
Popular in the 1800s, this moniker harks back to Victorian canine companions.
british
Popular female name, often used in classic British literature and folklore.
traditional
Popularized by famous canines in literature and film over decades.
scottish
Derived from Gaelic name Maili, meaning "bitter" or "star of the sea".
cute
Evokes sweetness, popularized by adorable canine characters in media.
Dog names like Molly:
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Let us know what you think of Molly as a dog name!