Molly
Meaning: Bitter, wished-for child, star of the sea
Origin: English/Irish
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #172
Total births: 2,684
History: Molly surged in the 2010s as vintage names came back. Molly Meldrum is Australian music television royalty — Countdown's legendary host who shaped Australian musical taste for decades. In Australia, Molly means the music never stops.
Explore more at Australian Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2021) | #100 |
| Babies named Molly in 2021 | 78 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 2,684 |
| Peak year | 2005 (172 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #32 |
| Years in records | 1996–2021 (23 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 4 spots |
Frequently asked about Molly
What does the name Molly mean?
Molly means “Bitter, wished-for child, star of the sea” from English/Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Molly?
Molly has English/Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Bitter, wished-for child, star of the sea”.
How popular is Molly in Australia?
Molly ranked #100 in Australia in 2021 — given to 78 babies that year.
When was Molly most popular?
Molly peaked in 2005 with 172 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Molly a boy or girl name?
Molly is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Mollys in registered births are female.
How long has Molly been recorded in Australia?
Molly appears in birth records in Australia across 23 years — from 1996 through 2021.