Pollyanna - girls name

Pollyanna name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 72%

Pollyanna name meaning:

The name Pollyanna is derived from the combination of two names: Polly and Anna. Polly is a diminutive form of the name Mary, which means "bitter" or "rebellious." Anna, on the other hand, is a Hebrew name that translates to "grace" or "favor." When these names are put together, Pollyanna carries a meaning that can be interpreted as "graceful rebelliousness" or "favorable bitterness."

Pollyanna is most commonly known as the name of the protagonist in Eleanor H. Porter's novel, "Pollyanna," published in 1913. In the book, Pollyanna is an optimistic and cheerful character who always looks for the good in every situation, no matter how dire. Due to the popularity of the novel, the name Pollyanna has come to represent a person who possesses an unwavering positive outlook on life. It is often used to describe someone who has a tendency to find joy and optimism even in the face of adversity.

The name Pollyanna has a unique and inspiring quality to it, symbolizing the ability to find light in darkness. It serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, maintaining a positive mindset can have a profound impact on one's well-being. Pollyanna's meaning of "graceful rebelliousness" also suggests that she is not swayed by negativity but instead chooses to embrace joy and hope. This name carries an optimistic connotation, making it a fitting choice for parents who desire a name that embodies resilience, positivity, and a refusal to let life's hardships dampen one's spirits.

Origin: English

Compound of the names Polly and Anna. Writer Eleanor Porter invented this name for the heroine of her novel 'Pollyanna' (1913).

Other girls names beginning with P

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 1569 out of 5581

19 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    -675
  • 5yrs

    -397
  • 1yr

    118

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

Historical popularity of Pollyanna

The graph below shows the popularity of the girls's name Pollyanna from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Pollyanna in 2024