Polly

Polly is a Hebrew-rooted English given name, a traditional variant of Molly and Mary, both derived from the Hebrew Miryam. The exact meaning of Miryam is debated — possible origins include 'sea of bitterness,' 'wished-for child,' or 'rebelliousness.' As a pet name, Polly is famously associated with parrots.

Polly is one of the most cheerful, instantly recognizable pet names in the English language. Its association with parrots is centuries old — 'Polly wants a cracker' is among the most quoted phrases in pet history — but Polly works equally well on dogs, cats, and rabbits. It has a bright, round sound that is easy to call and easy to remember. The name also carries a retro sweetness from its long history as a human name, giving it that appealing vintage-but-timeless quality.