Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Folly

      Origin

      American

      Meaning

      Foolishness

      Variations

      Dolly, Foley, Holly
      The name Folly finds its origin in American culture and stems from the word foolishness. Historically, this name has been associated with the concept of foolishness and has often been used to describe individuals who exhibit imprudent or unwise behavior. Throughout history, the name Folly has appeared in various forms of literature, drama, and folklore as a personification of foolishness. In these representations, Folly is often depicted as a mischievous and laughable character, embodying the consequences that can arise from acting without reason or common sense.

      In modern-day usage, the name Folly is seldom used as a personal name due to its negative connotations. However, it still finds some presence in literature and creative works where authors often employ the name symbolically or metaphorically to depict characters or situations marked by foolish or irrational behavior. Additionally, some individuals may choose to bear this name with a sense of irony or as a playful nod to its historical meaning. Despite its limited usage, the name Folly serves as a reminder to exercise wisdom and prudence in our actions, and it continues to resonate as a cautionary and thought-provoking term in contemporary culture.

      Based on our records...

      Marshall

      Marshall

      This is the most common surname associated with Folly.
      David

      David

      This is the most common name of those married to a Folly.
      David

      David

      This is the most common name for a child of a Folly.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1907 is when there were the most people born with the first name Folly.

      Explore the origins of another name.