Meaning & Story
From Old French joli meaning festive, cheerful, or merry, which came to English as jolly. As a given name Jolly is a direct description of character — cheerful, hearty, friendly, and full of good-natured energy that spreads to everyone nearby.
Jolly is a name that makes a promise and keeps it — any pet named Jolly is contractually obligated to be cheerful, good-natured, and generous with their affection. It has the warm English character of a word that has meant the same wonderful thing for centuries: this creature is fundamentally happy and makes others happy too. It is both a straightforward description and a beautiful aspiration. Every Jolly is someone's very best sunshine.