Last Name Hollis

The surname Hollis is of English origin, derived from a place name or an occupational name for someone who lived at "Holles" or "Hulce," which were locations in various parts of England. The names "Holles" and "Hulce" are derived from the Old English words "holo" meaning hollow and "hlisc" meaning hill or mound, describing a place with such features. Over time, the surname evolved to Hollis as a result of Norman French influence.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Hollis

The surname Hollis is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from the word "holling" which means "holly tree enclosure" or "wood where holly trees grow". It was often given to individuals who lived near or were associated with such a location. The name Hollis has been recorded in England since the 12th century and is relatively uncommon compared to many other English surnames. Variations of the name include Holleys, Hollows, and Hollis-Smith (a compound name formed by combining Hollis with another surname). Notable individuals with the surname Hollis include Robert G. Hollis, an American diplomat and academic; James A. Hollis, an American psychologist and author; and Tom Hollis, a British musician and songwriter.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hollis

The surname Hollis is predominantly distributed across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with particularly high concentrations in England and Northern Ireland. According to data from Family Names of the UK, it ranks as one of the top 30,000 most common surnames in England and Wales, and within the top 10,000 in Scotland. In Ireland, it is more uncommon but still found primarily in Northern Ireland. In the United States, Hollis is more frequently encountered, ranking among the top 50,000 surnames nationwide, with higher concentrations in states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan. It is also found in smaller numbers across Canada, Australia, and other parts of Europe and the world due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hollis

The surname Hollis has various spellings and minor variations, including Holless, Holleys, Houlis, and Hollis-Adams. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preferences in spelling. Some notable people with this name include musician and record producer Timbaland (real name: Mosley), singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull (born ISobel Anne Martin Hollis), and actors like Jules Hollis and Mark Hollis. The origins of the name are debated, but it is commonly believed to be of Old English or Norman descent, derived from "holl" meaning hollow or valley, and "-ys" denoting a place or settlement.

Famous people with the last name Hollis

Notable individuals sharing the surname Hollis include:

1. Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, professionally known as Nas, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, born on September 14, 1973. He gained fame with his debut album Illmatic in 1994, earning widespread critical acclaim.

2. Robert Farris Thompson, born on August 6, 1932, is an American art historian and anthropologist, specializing in African art. Known for his work on the aesthetic principles of Africa, he has held positions at Yale University and Harvard University.

3. David Hollis, born on July 7, 1984, is a successful American businessman and former executive of The Walt Disney Company. He served as the President of Music & Theatrical for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, a position he held from 2018 to 2021.

4. Lonnie Hollie, born on January 10, 1950, is an American visual artist who primarily works with metal sculptures. His works are often characterized by organic shapes and complex patterns, earning him international acclaim.

Genealogical research on the last name Hollis

The surname Hollis is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English 'holh' meaning 'hole' or 'hollow', and 'leah' meaning 'clearing'. This toponymic name was initially used as a locational name for someone who lived in one of the various places named with these elements, such as Hollesley in Suffolk. The name can also be found in various forms including Hullis, Holis, and Hollows.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Hollis include the English musician Joss Stone, American jazz saxophonist Stanley Hollis, and British politician John Hollis. In the United States, Hollis is one of the 600 most common surnames. Genealogical research indicates that the earliest known ancestor of many American families with this name was George Hollis, who arrived in Virginia from England in 1635. The family tree reveals a rich history of diverse professions including farmers, soldiers, politicians, and merchants throughout Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hollis"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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