Surname Jolly - Meaning and Origin
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Jolly: What does the surname Jolly mean?
The surname Jolly is of English and French origin. In English, the term "jolly" denotes someone who is cheerful or merry, leading some to believe those bearing this name possessed a joyful or pleasant demeanor. This name was often given as a nickname to individuals who were known for their cheerful or jovian character or disposition.
In French, Jolly stems from the Old French personal name Jolli, derived from the Norse name Jolgeirr, made up of the elements "jol" or "jul" (a mid-winter festival) and "geirr" meaning "spear." Thus, in this context, the surname could mean the "spear of Jul," suggesting an individual or family tied with festive battles or ceremonies.
Throughout the centuries, the name underwent many spelling variations depending on the region, including Jolley, Jollys, Jollye, and others. As a surname, it may not have any specific "meaning" to present descendants other than its historical or genealogical significance.
Order DNA origin analysisJolly: Where does the name Jolly come from?
The surname Jolly is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old French word "joli", meaning "festive" or "merry". It was initially used as a nickname for someone who was jovial or cheerful. It migrated to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and is first recorded in the late 12th Century. Over time, as families took on fixed surnames, the nickname evolved into a surname.
Today, the Jolly surname is common in an array of countries due to migration patterns over the centuries. It's frequently found in the United States and England, but also present in Canada, Australia, Scotland, and France. In England, it is particularly prevalent in the counties of Suffolk and Essex. In the United States, the largest concentrations of families with the Jolly surname are in the states of South Carolina, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas. Over recent years, due to international work, study, and immigration, the surname has further globally dispersed.
Variations of the surname Jolly
The surname Jolly has several variants and alternative spellings that have the same origin. These origins can be traced back to Old French, Scottish, and English roots. The alternative spellings for Jolly include Jolley, Jollie, Joly, Jolliffe, Jollif, Jollay, Joll, Jolleye, and Jollin.
It is also worth noting that double-barreled names or surnames that incorporate the name Jolly might exist, such as Jolly-Smith or Jolly-Jones etc. Additionally, Jolly is also found as a first name which can sometimes cause confusion when looking at records or genealogy. Furthermore, variations could also be found within different languages and regional dialects due to translation or phonetic spelling of the name.
Surname variations often occur due to an incorrect literal translation of names from foreign languages, errors in transcription of hand-written records, or simply a change by an individual to suit their personal preference. Therefore, when researching genealogy, it's crucial to consider all possible variations.
Famous people with the name Jolly
- Phil Jolly:- Former professional rugby league footballer
- Richard Jolly:- British electronic musician
- Simon Jolly:- British film composer
- Lise Jolly:- French composer
- Sarah Jolly:- English actress
- Maria Jolly:- Albanian swimmer
- Robert Jolly:- Former Major League Baseball outfielder
- Michael Jolly:- Australian gold medalist
- Edmond Jolly:- Former NFL player
- Ernie Jolly:- American Jazz pianist
- Frederick Jolly:- American artist
- Bakari Jolly:- American professor and criminal defence attorney
- Jack Jolly:- British AAC Pilot
- Zachary Jolly:- Actor
- Porter Jolly:- Singer
- Chet Jolly:- Drummer
- Tracey Jolly:- Actress
- Tim Jolly:- Artist
- Walter Jolly:- Bishop
- Craig Jolly:- Film Producer