Grace was the most popular Dolly Parton inspired baby name in Scotland in 2025, with 200 girls receiving the moniker, according to research by Autism Parenting Magazine. The name is linked to Blue Grace, the opening track of the soundtrack to Dolly's 1992 film Straight Talk.
Dolly's Scottish legacy
Dolly Parton passed away on Monday, August 25, at the age of 80. The Jolene singer enjoyed a successful music career for almost six decades and leaves behind a legacy worldwide, particularly in Scotland, which she previously said holds a special place in her heart.
Dolly had Scottish-Irish ancestry on her father's side and regularly spoke warmly about her affection for the Scots. She also partnered with the Scottish Government through her Imagination Library charity, which provides books to young children.
Top ten names and their connections
The research delved into the country legend's music catalogue, screen roles, family tree, friendships and formative years to identify baby names with distinctive and verifiable links to Dolly. The names were then compared with the latest National Records of Scotland baby-name figures for 2025.
In second place was Lily with 193 girls given the name in Scotland last year. This moniker links to Dolly through Lily Tomlin, who starred alongside Dolly and Jane Fonda in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. Tomlin played Violet Newstead, while Dolly made her feature-film debut as Doralee Rhodes.
Ruby was the third most common Dolly related name with 115 babies receiving the moniker in Scotland last year. The name is tied to Dolly through her character Ruby Diamond in the 1996 television film Unlikely Angel.
Full list of Dolly inspired names
The top ten Dolly Parton inspired baby names are:
- Grace (200 babies in 2025) - Dolly's song Blue Grace
- Lily (193 babies in 2025) - Dolly's 9 to 5 co-star, Lily Tomlin
- Ruby (115 babies in 2025) - Dolly's character of Ruby Diamond in Unlikely Angel
- Lucy (100 babies in 2025) - Aunt Lucy from the film Dumplin, who is known for her deep love of Dolly Parton
- Violet (64 babies in 2025) - Dolly's 9 to 5 star Lily Tomlin played Violet Newstead in the film
- Rose (58 babies in 2025) - Dolly's 1989 single Yellow Roses and her book Run Rose Run which she co-wrote with James Patterson
- Miley (26 babies in 2025) - Dolly's goddaughter Miley Cyrus
- Faith (20 babies in 2025) - Dolly's 2019 collaboration track called Faith with Swedish electronic duo Galantis and singer Mr. Probz
- Stella (14 babies in 2025) - Dolly's younger sister who was named Stella Mae Parton
- Cassie (14 babies in 2025) - Dolly's older sisters who was named Cassie Nan Parton
Grace was also the fifth most popular girls' name in Scotland overall in 2025, making it the highest-ranking name in the study nationally as well as the Dolly-inspired list.
