Molly

Molly is a feminine given name, often a shortened form of Mary or Margaret, though it is also used as an independent given name. The spelling variants Mollie and Moll are also common. The name has appeared in English-speaking cultures since at least the 19th century and has been used in literature and popular culture.

Usage as a given name continues; notable people include American actress Molly Ringwald; American journalist Molly Ivins; American television personality and author Molly Yeh; and historical figure Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, known as Molly Pitcher, a heroine of the American Revolutionary War.

Molly is also slang for MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive drug commonly sold as a powder or crystalline substance. It is used recreationally for its stimulant and empathogenic effects; however, products sold as Molly may be adulterated with other substances. Potential effects include euphoria, increased sociability, and energy, and adverse effects such as dehydration, overheating, anxiety, and palpitations. Serious risks include hyperthermia, serotonin syndrome, organ damage, and overdose. The drug is illegal in many countries; enforcement and penalties vary; some jurisdictions allow restricted medical research.

In fiction and media, the name Molly appears in novels, films, and songs, including the James Joyce character Molly Bloom in Ulysses.