Pollyanna Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Pollyanna originates from Latin, combining elements associated with Mary and Anna. It signifies traits of optimism and cheerfulness. The name's popularity surged after the publication of the novel 'Pollyanna' in 1913, and it has since become emblematic of unwavering positivity. There is no significant biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Pollyanna"
Pronunciation
/ˌpɒliˈænə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Pollyanna is a combination of 'Polly', a diminutive of 'Mary', and 'Anna'. The name gained popularity primarily through the novel 'Pollyanna' by Eleanor H. Porter, published in 1913, which features an optimistic young girl.
Meaning
aspects of optimism and cheerfulness
Language Evolution
Mary, Polly, Pollyanna
Historical Usage
The name Pollyanna became popular in the early 20th century following the release of the novel. It is often associated with the concept of 'Pollyanna syndrome', referring to excessive optimism.
Variants & Derivatives
Polly, Anna, Mary
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Pollyanna is often viewed as a symbol of unyielding positivity and optimism, though it can also carry connotations of naivety.
Famous People
Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna McIntosh
📊 Pollyanna Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Pollyanna Name Visualizations
✨ Pollyanna Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 53 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Pollyanna"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Pollyanna"
"Pollyanna" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2569th of 9107 | 214 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3628th of 9204 | 116 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3576th of 12526 | 215 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3494th of 19264 | 297 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11664th of 27321 | 72 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14279th of 35406 | 85 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10406th of 30306 | 111 |
Regional Popularity of "Pollyanna" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Pollyanna" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
95.69% 2131st/2227 |
- |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
88.07% 2444th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Pollyanna"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Pollyanna" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Pollyanna" in the United States
The name Pollyanna is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Pollyanna has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Pollyanna' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2569th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3628th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3576th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3494th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11664th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14279th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10406th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Pollyanna' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.