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Original poster

Could this name be described as a classic?

26 replies

mistyview · 10/02/2012 22:15

Molly. Or is it a fad name that will date quite quickly. I ask because it's a name that's been around for years but is rarely referred to as a classic as, say, Catherine or Elizabeth are. I really want to avoid a name that will sound dated in a few years time. Ta.

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Montsti · 11/02/2012 06:50

I love the name Molly! It definitely has been around for years but I wouldn't call it a classic as such as I don't think I know a Molly between the ages of 5 and 75, but a number outside of those age groups....there are also a lot of similar names at the moment I.e. Polly, Holly, Milly, Lilly, Tilly etc.. which makes it seem more widespread than it actually is...I wouldn't say Molly was a faddy name but it is definitely a little "of the moment"...

Although very popular I would describe such names as Thomas, James, William, Oliver, Emily, Charlotte etc.. as classic as though they peak at certain times they are always around and personally I know people of all ages with these names...

nooka · 11/02/2012 06:28

Oh, and I think that Molly is in the latter group.

nooka · 11/02/2012 06:28

To me a classic is a name that has enduring popularity. Names that come and go on the popularity front are therefore not classics. That doesn't mean they aren't nice names, it just means you may be able to easily guess when a person was born if they were named when the name is popular.

EllenParsons · 11/02/2012 04:11

I think it is a name which has gone and come back into popularity rather than one which has been consistently popular.

It has a kind of Victorian vibe to me and I do like it but I think it could end up a little dated to the current trend of all the Millies, Maisies, Maddies etc.

EdithWeston · 10/02/2012 23:23

Molly Weasley - the only member of the Order of the Phoenix shown using the killing curse.

It's not exactly a classic (probably because of its history as a nn), but I like it, and think it does work at all ages.

PoppadumPreach · 10/02/2012 23:22

well said, Haircare!

Molly is lovely and whether it's going through s resurgence or not, if you like it, you should use it.

Harecare · 10/02/2012 23:16

Molly is a nice name, it's been around for years so it could be called classic as it's stood the test of time. I don't understand a name being "dated". Surely if a name is fashionable it would mean it was common and therefore not one to choose? If Molly is a "dated" name it seems a very good reason to choose it to me.

BeerTricksP0tter · 10/02/2012 23:10

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usualsuspect · 10/02/2012 23:07
BeerTricksP0tter · 10/02/2012 23:04

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usualsuspect · 10/02/2012 23:01

Have I slipped into a time warp?

Devora · 10/02/2012 23:00

I know a 60 year old Molly but strangely, no little ones.

It's a pretty name!

TeamEdward · 10/02/2012 22:59

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PopcornBiscuit · 10/02/2012 22:42

That's what it means usualsuspect, yes.

usualsuspect · 10/02/2012 22:33

A downstairs name? you mean like a maids name?

PopcornBiscuit · 10/02/2012 22:32

Molly is a nickname for Mary, which is a classic name.

TeamEdward · 10/02/2012 22:31

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Hassled · 10/02/2012 22:31

I like Molly. I can imagine a 40 year old Molly.

Yama · 10/02/2012 22:29

I had a Great Aunt Molly. She was very elegant. I always thought her name and her elegance were juxtaposed.

workshy · 10/02/2012 22:29

I've got about 14 mollys in my brownie pack at the moment (slight exageration)

I also can't picture them as 40 year olds called molly???

hillyhilly · 10/02/2012 22:27

My 7 yr old is Polly, she has had at least two Mollys in every nursery/ class/ rainbows/ swim class she has been to.

StetsonsAreCool · 10/02/2012 22:25

I think it's already a bit dated, sorry. I haven't heard of any recently. The youngest one I know is 7.

Although already being 'dated' may work in your favour - you could be the one to revive it Wink

cece · 10/02/2012 22:22

Molly was popular a while ago so already a bit dated in my opinion.

But if you like it then use it!

mycatsaysach · 10/02/2012 22:20

mary classic
molly not so much

joanofarchitrave · 10/02/2012 22:19

Why not go for Mary with Molly as a nn?

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