Last Name Holloway

The surname Holloway is of English origin and is derived from either a topographic name for someone who lived by a hollow or valley or a nickname for a lightweight person. It comes from the Old English words "holh" meaning hollow or valley, and "wey" meaning way or path. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved to include various forms such as Holway, Hollway, and Hollwaye. The earliest recorded instance of the name is found in 1273 in Norfolk, England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Holloway

The meaning and origin of the last name Holloway

The surname Holloway is of English origin, derived from Old English terms "hola" (hollow) and "weg" (way or road). It was originally used to describe someone who lived near or by a hollow way. Over time, it evolved as a surname, particularly in areas with many valleys and natural hollows such as the Midlands and East Anglia regions of England. The name is also found in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales due to Norman-English immigration. It has multiple variant spellings including Hollowaye, Holoway, Holway, Hollaway, Holeway, and Holways, reflecting its long history and diverse usage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Holloway

The last name Holloway is predominantly distributed across the United States, particularly in states such as North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where it represents a significant portion of the population. Historically, many people with this surname can be traced back to early English or Norman settlers who immigrated to these areas during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name also has a notable presence in England, specifically in counties such as Somerset, Devon, and Dorset. Smaller populations of Holloways can be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries with significant British or American immigration history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Holloway

The surname Holloway has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic interpretations over time. Some of these variations include Halloway, Hollaway, Holleway, Holoway, Holway, Holowei, Holuey, and Holuway. Additionally, there may be regional differences such as Hawlow, Hallow, Howell (a more common variation with a different etymology), and Howle in certain areas or families. The root of the name is believed to derive from Old English "holl" meaning hollow and "wey" way, indicating that the original bearer of this name may have lived near a hollow or low-lying area. Over time, transcription errors, regional dialects, and family preference have led to the numerous spellings associated with the surname Holloway.

Famous people with the last name Holloway

Notable individuals sharing the surname Holloway include:

1. Cynthia Holloway, an American actress known for her roles in popular television series such as "Law & Order" and "The Closer."
2. Richard Holloway, a Scottish theologian, author, broadcaster, and former Bishop of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
3. Jodie Holloway, an American actress best recognized for her portrayal of Lieutenant Saavik in the "Star Trek" franchise.
4. Jamie Holloway, a British professional snooker player who reached the semi-finals of the 1987 World Snooker Championship at the age of just 18.
5. Charles Halloway, an American chemist and educator who was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University.
6. John Holloway, a British cultural anthropologist and sociologist known for his work on political economy, globalization, and resistance movements.
7. David Holloway, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of differential geometry and mathematical physics.
8. Michael C. Holloway, a prominent American aviator and naval officer who served as the 16th Chief of Naval Operations in the United States Navy.

Genealogical research on the last name Holloway

The surname Holloway is of English origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from a place name, specifically from "Hollow" which means 'hollow' or 'low-lying land' in Old English. The first recorded instance of the name was around the 13th century, with Robert de Holoua appearing in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1204.

Throughout history, various branches of the Holloway family have emerged in different regions of England. The most notable families include those from Yorkshire and Lancashire. For instance, the Holloways of Warton in Lancashire were prominent landowners and contributed to local government during the 16th century.

During the Great Migration to America, many Holloways settled along the eastern seaboard, with substantial populations found in Virginia, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. The name also appears in Australian records, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, due to convict transportation from England during the 19th century.

In modern times, the Holloway family can be found worldwide, with significant communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research on the name is ongoing, with numerous resources available for those tracing their Holloway ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Holloway"
• 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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