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Polly

Girl name · 177 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Polly: 177 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 10 births in 2023.

A familiar and friendly choice, Polly began as a pet form of Mary, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew Miriam, meaning "beloved" or "wished-for child." Over time it became a given name in its own right, particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Famous bearers include Polly Jean Harvey, the acclaimed English singer-songwriter whose raw artistry spans decades, and actress Polly Walker, known for roles in *Rome* and *Bridgerton*. The name also appears in children's literature as the irrepressibly optimistic Pollyanna, giving it a lasting association with a cheerful outlook. In the United States, Polly is also recorded as a 19th-century nickname for a parrot, adding a playful, talkative streak. While not tied to a specific Scottish place, it carries the same timeless, gentle warmth as its root name Mary.