Holliman

Holliman is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Holegn," meaning "holly tree," and the suffix "-man," indicating a relation to a specific person or occupation. The surname Holliman is classified as a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name or local feature.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Holliman has ancient roots in England, particularly in the East Anglian region. It is primarily found in Norfolk, Suffolk, and parts of Essex. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 14th century, with variants such as Hollamon and Hollman also appearing in historical records.

Notable Individuals

While not a widely common surname, there have been notable individuals bearing the Holliman name throughout history. One example is the British actor Earl Holliman (born Henry Earl Holliman), known for his work in film and television, including his role in the popular TV series "Police Woman" in the 1970s.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the Holliman surname include Holman, Hollman, and Holeman, among others. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or phonetic changes over time.

Heraldic Arms

The Holliman surname does not have an assigned coat of arms, as heraldic achievements are granted to specific individuals rather than surnames as a whole. However, individuals with the surname Holliman may have their own unique coats of arms if they are entitled to one through family heritage or personal grant.

In conclusion, the surname Holliman is a rare but historically significant English surname with connections to the Anglo-Saxon period. Its origins in the holly tree and its regional concentration in East Anglia contribute to its unique linguistic and geographical heritage.

There are approximately 457 people named Holliman in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Holliman.

Surname type: Occupational name

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

  • Adam
  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Glenn
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Brenda
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Joyce
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Lourdes
  • Lynne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Maureen
  • Susan
  • Teresa

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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