Hollis

Origin
Hollis is an English surname with origins dating back to medieval times. It is derived from the Old English word holis, meaning "near the holly trees".

History
The surname Hollis was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its early presence in English society. It is mainly found in the Midlands region of England, particularly in the counties of Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Bedfordshire.

Notable Bearers

  • Francis Hollis (c. 1563–1627): An English politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Leicester and Derby.
  • Robin Hollis (b. 1949): British poet and writer known for his collection of works on nature and the English countryside.

Variants
Variants of the surname Hollis include Holles, Holliss, and Hollice.

Coat of Arms
The traditional coat of arms associated with the Hollis name features a silver shield with three black holly leaves. The crest is depicted as a demi-eagle, wings expanded, holding a holly leaf in its beak.

Popularity
The surname Hollis remains a relatively uncommon name in England today, with a concentration of bearers in the historical counties where the name was first established. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and historical settlement patterns.

There are approximately 8,730 people named Hollis in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,085th most common surname in Britain. Around 134 in a million people in Britain are named Hollis.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Barbara
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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