Jolly

Jolly is a surname of English origin that dates back to the medieval era. The name derives from the Old French word 'joli', meaning cheerful or merry. As such, the surname was often bestowed on individuals who displayed a lively or joyful disposition.

The Jolly family name is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Kent. Over the centuries, bearers of the Jolly surname have been involved in various professions, including farming, trade, and craftsmanship.

Notable individuals with the surname Jolly include British artist David Jolly, known for his impressionistic landscapes, as well as historian and broadcaster Marcus Jolly, who is renowned for his works on medieval history.

The Jolly surname has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through immigration and colonial settlement.

The coat of arms associated with the Jolly surname typically features symbols of joy and prosperity, reflecting the etymology of the name itself. In heraldry, common motifs include bright colours, musical instruments, or depictions of festive gatherings.

Today, the Jolly surname continues to be borne by families across the UK and beyond, serving as a reminder of the enduring connections between heritage, identity, and tradition.

There are approximately 7,081 people named Jolly in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,332nd most common surname in Britain. Around 109 in a million people in Britain are named Jolly.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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