Holley
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Holley
Holley is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Holly, derived from the English word for the holly tree with its distinctive red berries and green leaves. The name carries strong associations with Christmas and winter celebrations, symbolizing hope and festivity. This particular spelling with an 'e' gives the name a slightly more unusual appearance while maintaining its natural origins. Holley first gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. It has a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful sound pattern. The name blends traditional nature-inspired naming with a subtle spelling twist, appealing to parents who appreciate botanical names but desire something slightly distinctive from the more common Holly.
Holley is also given to boys.
Pronounced HAH-lee.
As of October 2026, Holley ranked #3737 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1110 in 1974.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,204 | 51 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #3,317 | 49 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #3,611 | 43 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #3,723 | 41 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #3,362 | 47 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #3,521 | 44 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #3,301 | 47 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #3,361 | 47 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #3,912 | 38 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #3,540 | 44 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #4,306 | 33 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #3,737 | 40 | — | 0 |
Holley on lists
Famous Holleys
- Holley Ann DorroughGirl
American model
- Holley MangoldGirl
American Olympic weightlifter and contestant on TV's "The Biggest Loser"
- Holley FainGirl
American actress
- Holley RubinskyGirl
Canadian fiction writer
- Robert W. HolleyGirl
winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Holley in pop culture
- Holley ShiftwellGirl
car character in Pixar's "Cars 2"