Holliday

Introduction

Holliday is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Medieval English name "Holidei". The name is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is also spelled as "Holiday" in some instances, with both variations tracing back to the same historical origins.

Etymology

The surname Holliday is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages and is said to have been derived from the Old English term 'Haligdaeg', which translates to 'holy day'. This suggests that the name may have initially been given to individuals born on significant religious holidays or those who held a strong association with holy days.

Distribution and Variants

The surname Holliday is most commonly found in regions with English heritage, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Variants of the name include "Holiday" and "Hollidae". Over the years, the surname may have undergone variations in spelling due to regional accents and dialects.

Notable Individuals

  • Doc Holliday (1851-1887) - A famous figure of the American Wild West, John Henry "Doc" Holliday was a gambler, gunfighter, and dentist known for his association with Wyatt Earp.

  • Judy Holliday (1921-1965) - An acclaimed American actress and comedian, Judy Holliday is best known for her role in the 1950 film "Born Yesterday", for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

  • Justin Holliday (b. 1989) - A professional basketball player in the NBA, Justin Holliday has played for various teams including the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks.

In Popular Culture

The surname Holliday has often been featured in popular culture, either in reference to historical figures such as "Doc" Holliday, or in fictional works where it is used as a character name or as a symbol of festivity, as seen in the term "holiday".

Conclusion

The surname Holliday holds a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its origins rooted in Old English. Through notable individuals like Doc Holliday and Judy Holliday, the name has made its mark in various fields, from the Wild West to Hollywood. Today, the surname continues to be a part of British and American cultural heritage, embodying a connection to traditions and celebrations.

There are approximately 7,599 people named Holliday in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,238th most common surname in Britain. Around 117 in a million people in Britain are named Holliday.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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