Molly Wu

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Molly Wu — beloved
85K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
Advertisement

Molly Wu is a name that combines English origins. The first name Molly is a feminine given name of English origin. Molly (also spelled Molli or Mollie) is a diminutive of the feminine name Mary that, like other English hypocorisms in use since the Middle Ages, substituted l for r. Molly evolved from the English diminutive Mally. English surnames such as Moll, Mollett, and Mollison are derived from Molly. Molly has also been used as a diminutive of Margaret and Martha since the 1700s and as an independent name since at least 1720. The surname Wu: Wú is the pinyin transliteration of the Chinese surname 吳 (Simplified Chinese 吴), which is a common surname (family name) in Mainland China. Wú (吳) is the sixth name listed in the Song dynasty classic Hundred Family Surnames. In 2019 Wu was the ninth most common surname in Mainland China. A 2013 study found that it was the eighth most common surname, shared by 26,800,000 people or 2.000% of the population, with the province having the most being Guangdong. Molly is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 85K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Molly reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Molly

Meaning: beloved

English

Molly (also spelled Molli or Mollie) is a diminutive of the feminine name Mary that, like other English hypocorisms in use since the Middle Ages, substituted l for r. Molly evolved from the English diminutive Mally. English surnames such as Moll, Mollett, and Mollison are derived from Molly. Molly has also been used as a diminutive of Margaret and Martha since the 1700s and as an independent name since at least 1720.

Surname: Wu

Vietnamese

Wú is the pinyin transliteration of the Chinese surname 吳 (Simplified Chinese 吴), which is a common surname (family name) in Mainland China. Wú (吳) is the sixth name listed in the Song dynasty classic Hundred Family Surnames. In 2019 Wu was the ninth most common surname in Mainland China. A 2013 study found that it was the eighth most common surname, shared by 26,800,000 people or 2.000% of the population, with the province having the most being Guangdong.

Advertisement

Geographic Distribution

The first name Molly is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 13%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Molly by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Advertisement

Notable People Named Molly Wu

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Molly Wu:

4
Expression Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

9
Soul Urge Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

22
Personality Number

Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Molly?
The first name Molly originates from English. Molly (also spelled Molli or Mollie) is a diminutive of the feminine name Mary that, like other English hypocorisms in use since the Middle Ages, substituted l for r. Molly evolved from the English diminutive Mally. English surnames such as Moll, Mollett, and Mollison are derived from Molly. Molly has also been used as a diminutive of Margaret and Martha since the 1700s and as an independent name since at least 1720.
When was Molly most popular?
The name Molly reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Wu?
The surname Wu originates from Vietnamese. Wú is the pinyin transliteration of the Chinese surname 吳 (Simplified Chinese 吴), which is a common surname (family name) in Mainland China. Wú (吳) is the sixth name listed in the Song dynasty classic Hundred Family Surnames. In 2019 Wu was the ninth most common surname in Mainland China. A 2013 study found that it was the eighth most common surname, shared by 26,800,000 people or 2.000% of the population, with the province having the most being Guangdong.
What are the origins of the name Molly Wu?
The name Molly Wu combines two different traditions: the first name Molly has English roots, while the surname Wu originates from Vietnamese.
Advertisement