Wished-for child and grace
A combination of the names Polly and Anna. Polly is a medieval variant of Molly (meaning 'wished-for child'), while Anna is a Hebrew name meaning 'grace.' It is most famous for the 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter, where the character's name became synonymous with irrepressible optimism.
Less common today
Pollyanna isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,139 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
The optimistic protagonist of the eponymous novel · Pollyanna
Scottish-American actress known for The Walking Dead
British television presenter
British wildlife artist and environmentalist
