Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Holly- what do people think?

47 replies

Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 08:37

Sorry- second post!

Is Holly ‘dated’?

Her sibling is Ava.

Our other options still stand
Elsie
Callie
Isla
Erin

Also, our dog is Molly so we initially ruled it out! Is it still a no go?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Moreteaandchocolate · 24/05/2025 10:16

Holly is one of my absolute favourite names! I see it as tried and tested rather than dated - it did have a peak of popularity in the early 2000’s, but it’s stayed in the top 100 or so for decades since, so I’d see it as a modern classic more than dated.

Gemstonebeach · 24/05/2025 10:25

I know a little holly with a sister Kate which do feel late 80s/90s to me.

I think Ava and Erin sound nice of your other choices. Maybe Willow or Zoe?

Emanwenym · 24/05/2025 10:27

Lovely. Much nicer than the other names.

ShowOfHands · 24/05/2025 10:33

I know quite a few of all school ages, reception up to A Level. It is used pretty steadily ime. I don't love it but it simply isn't my type of name but that said, I like it for a Christmas baby. The ones I teach are from varied backgrounds and it doesn't have any connotations or associations. In fact, the only thing I used to notice was that I met an uncanny number whose sister was called Poppy. It seemed a strangely popular pairing for a while.

MumQ8 · 24/05/2025 10:39

I wouldn’t say Holly is dated, it feels more classic and sweet, much like Ava, so they pair nicely as siblings. It’s true that Holly had a bit of a peak in earlier decades, but it’s also timeless and gently nature-inspired, which gives it a modern charm too.

I wouldn't rule it out because of the dogs name. They simular so familiarise yourself with them, if you feel it could be confusing. Your DC will probably love it when they little.

Go with the name you love.

dontforgetme · 24/05/2025 10:40

It’s gorgeous.

Enko · 24/05/2025 10:41

I find it really dull boring name. Also I think woth a dog called Molly it will be confusing

OysterSatin · 24/05/2025 10:42

I don’t like it. It just makes me think of Hollie Hobbie and Christmas cards. Twee. Of your other options, Isla. I can’t fathom why someone would name their child after a country.

arcticpandas · 24/05/2025 10:46

Stephen King.

BoleynMemories13 · 24/05/2025 10:53

No, I don't think it's dated. Nature and y/ie ending names are both in, so I'm really surprised Holly isn't more popular than it currently is. I really like it.

I probably wouldn't use it if you have a dog with a name that rhymes though.

WayneEyre · 24/05/2025 11:09

Sorry I find it quite low rent. Far nicer names out there.

Mightyhike · 24/05/2025 11:12

I like Holly a lot.

Boredofbeinganadult · 24/05/2025 11:13

Isla ❤️

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 24/05/2025 11:19

I don’t think it’s really dated but it’s a bit 90s - I just think it’s a bit nothingy, especially compared to the elegant Ava- and weird if not a Christmas baby

Callie as a nn for Caroline/Carla/Calista is lovely - go for that (I wouldn’t wouldn’t just give her a nn as a name when her sister is Ava)

Erin is dated (and a bit low rent) Elsie and Isla too similar to Ava

Unless the dog is likely to go to doggy heaven shortly you do need to change it’s name if you to go for Holly

Bowling4soup · 24/05/2025 11:22

I love it

uncomfortablydumb60 · 24/05/2025 11:23

It's lovely and perfect with Ava
My 25 year old next door neighbour is a Holly and she's such a nice person
it was my maiden name too., Spelt Holley

uncomfortablydumb60 · 24/05/2025 11:24

I think it's fine! The dog knows she's Molly

Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 11:26

@theunbreakablecleopatrajones i know I’m biased but I agree Ava is elegant. I absolutely love it and am struggling to find anything as gorgeous. Any other suggestions?

OP posts:
iwentjasonwaterfalls · 24/05/2025 11:26

I love the name Holly. I wouldn't use it with a dog called Molly, though.

I vote Callie, but I'm biased as that's DD's name!

BoleynMemories13 · 24/05/2025 11:30

Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 11:26

@theunbreakablecleopatrajones i know I’m biased but I agree Ava is elegant. I absolutely love it and am struggling to find anything as gorgeous. Any other suggestions?

I have an Ava and Eliza. I do love the sound of Ava and Erin together though.

cheezncrackers · 24/05/2025 11:31

If the dog is called Molly, that would be a 'No' from me!

Holly is a bit Christmassy for spring too.

Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 11:32

@Boredofbeinganadult thanks! Some days I love it and thinks it’s absolutely perfect, but other days I don’t know if it doesn’t match the vibe of Ava but at the same time is too similar 🤯
You’ve reassured me!

OP posts:
Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 11:46

@BoleynMemories13 @Gemstonebeach we also like Elin.
Erin or Elin?

OP posts:
Moreteaandchocolate · 24/05/2025 11:49

Roo0611 · 24/05/2025 11:46

@BoleynMemories13 @Gemstonebeach we also like Elin.
Erin or Elin?

Erin 😊

Beamur · 24/05/2025 11:53

I like it, it's a strong characterful name. Better as not a Christmas name for added subversion.
More interesting than your other choices.
Every other girl seems to be called Elsie round here.