Surname Hollis - Meaning and Origin
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read moreHollis: What does the surname Hollis mean?
The last name Hollis is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is particularly popular in England. It is derived from the Middle English word "holis", which means "holly trees." This indicates that the original bearers of the name likely lived near a group of holly trees. Therefore, Hollis is generally classified as a topographic surname, which were given to people based on a distinctive landmark or geological feature near their residence. It is also believed that the name may have a deeper symbolic meaning with the holly tree symbolizing truth and defense in Celtic mythology. Over time, the name spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States and Australia. Today, it remains a fairly common surname in these regions.
Order DNA origin analysisHollis: Where does the name Hollis come from?
The last name Hollis primarily originates from England. It derived from pre-7th-century Old English words "holh" or "holu," which mean "holly trees" and "isle," respectively. The name was designated to someone who lived by holly trees or on an islet. The name Hollis may also be of Norman descent, from the French village of Ouilly-le-Basset in Calvados.
Today, the name Hollis is commonly found in the United States, England, and Canada. In England, the name is particularly prevalent in the regions of Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. According to some current data, Dallas, Texas, has the highest number of people with the name Hollis in the US. Moreover, it remains a relatively popular choice for male given names as well.
Variations of the surname Hollis
The surname Hollis is of Anglo-Saxon origin. Some related and possible alternate spelling variants of Hollis include Hollys, Holis, Holiss, Holliss, Hallis, Hallys, and Holles. These all derive from the Old English pre-7th Century personal name "Holis", which meant "dweller by the holly trees". In some cases, the surname may be locational, originating from places called Hollis in England.
Another variant might be Hollins, derived from meaning "dweller by the holly trees", but also refers to a location named Hollins in Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
Derived forms such as Hollyson and Holleson can be found as well.
Lastly, the surname could be a variant of the surname Holl, which originates from middle Low German, Dutch, and Danish languages. This name was often given to a dweller in a holly grove.
All these variants are dependent on local dialects and regional accents, which can affect how names were recorded in documents during medieval times. This can make it a challenge to track the specific origin and spelling of a surname.
Famous people with the name Hollis
- Hollis Wright: Professional BMX rider and entrepreneur.
- Hollis Stacy: Professional golfer and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee.
- Sir George Hollis: British cartographer and explorer.
- Chris Hollis: Former British politician.
- J.J. Hollis: American football player.
- Hollis Price: Basketball player and former Olympian.
- Jane Hollis-olonsoff: British professor and writer.
- Jack Hollis: American business executive.
- Hollis Thomas: American football player.
- Brian Hollis: Australian politician.
- Hollis Hill: Olympic swimmer and coach.
- Morris Hollis: American historian.
- Sam Hollis: British musician and composer.
- Michael Hollis: English cricketer.
- Hollis Gillespie: American journalist, humorist, and commentator.
- Hollis Queens: American volleyball player.
- Dave Hollis: American film producer.
- Hollis Frampton: American avant-garde filmmaker.
- Steven Hollis: British ice hockey coach.
- Richard Hollis: British graphic designer.