Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Poppy
GirlEnglish· “poppy flower”
- Meaning
- poppy flower
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- PAH-pee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #292
- US babies 2025
- 1,054
- Best rank
- #289 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Poppy
Poppy is an English name that means “poppy flower”.
Poppy is taken from the name of the red flower, which comes from the Old English popig, borrowed from the Latin papaver. Flower names became popular in the late nineteenth century, and Poppy fits alongside Daisy, Lily and Rose. In Britain and the Commonwealth the red poppy is also a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. Poppy has a bright, cheerful sound and a sense of playfulness. It has become very popular in Britain and Australia and increasingly in the United States. It can also be a nickname for Penelope.
Popularity over time
Poppy first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 10 different years, starting in 2016. Its best national rank was #289 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,077 babies. In 2025, 1,054 babies were named Poppy, and it ranked #292 nationally. That is 305% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #7,227 in 1980, #14,558 in 2000, #1,732 in 2010, and #292 in 2025. Of the 9,541 US girls named Poppy since records began, 58% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,080 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Winter, Esme, Alessia, Evie, and Talia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Poppy ranked highest in Alaska, Vermont, and Maine.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Poppy is usually pronounced PAH-pee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-py”.
Middle names for Poppy
A few middle names that flow with Poppy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Poppy
Similar names
Lilly Girl
LIH-lee
“lily flower” · English
#252
Daisy Girl
DAY-zee
“day's eye” · English
#75
Rosie Girl
ROH-zee
“rose” · English
#283
Blossom Girl
BLAH-sum
“flower, bloom” · English
#1,300
Primrose Girl
PRIHM-rohz
“first rose” · English
#2,561
Piper Girl
PY-pur
“pipe player” · English
#155
Gracie Girl
GRAY-see
“grace” · English
#227
Callie Girl
KAL-ee
“beautiful” · Greek
#175
Tessa Girl
TES-uh
“short for Theresa” · English
#311
Maggie Girl
MAG-ee
“pearl” · English
#294
Allie Girl
AL-ee
“short for Allison or Alexandra” · English
#569
Lexi Girl
LEHK-see
“defender; short for Alexandra” · English
#628
Lists that include Poppy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Poppy mean?
Poppy is an English name that means “poppy flower”.
What is the origin of the name Poppy?
Poppy has English roots. Poppy is taken from the name of the red flower, which comes from the Old English popig, borrowed from the Latin papaver.
Is Poppy a popular name?
Yes. Poppy ranked #292 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Poppy a boy or girl name?
Poppy is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Poppy?
Poppy is usually pronounced PAH-pee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings