Dolly

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Dolly

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Dolly is an English diminutive of the name Dorothy. Dorothy is the reverse form of Theodora, feminine form of Theodore. It originally meant “Gift of God” from “theos” (god) and “doran” (gift).

History:
Dolly is a nickname that developed in the 16th century, after Dorothy became common in England. In the early 17th century, however, the name became a derogatory term for a woman of uncertain virtue (and later the term for a child’s toy), and use declined.

Although revived, along with Dorothy, in the late 18th century, Dolly has once again disappeared.

Please see Dorothy for more information.

Pronunciation: doll-ee.

Alternates: Doll, Dolli, Dollie, Dolley.

Famous Bearers:
Political Figures:
Dolley Madison (1768-1849)
American first lady. Wife of James Madison.

Singers and Entertainers:
Dolly Parton (1946-)
American actress and singer.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.016 % named Dolly
0.011 % named Dollie

Popularity of Dolly:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1800: 87th most popular.
1850: 195th most popular.
1875: 222nd most popular.
1900-1910: 371st most popular.
1910-1920: 377th most popular.
1920-1930: 362nd most popular.
1930-1940: 387th most popular.
1940-1950: 492nd most popular.
1950-1960: 670th most popular.
1960-1970: 839th most popular.
1970-2000: N/A

Popularity of Dollie:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 264th most popular.
1910-1920: 293rd most popular.
1920-1930: 363rd most popular.
1930-1940: 410th most popular.
1940-1950: 645th most popular.
1950-1960: 926th most popular.
1960-2000: N/A