Holtby

Holtby is an English surname with origins in the historic county of Yorkshire, in the North of England. The name is of locational origin, deriving from the Old English words "holt" meaning "a wood" and "by" meaning "a settlement" or "farmstead". Therefore, the name Holtby likely referred to someone who resided near or in a wooded area.

The Holtby surname has been predominantly found in Yorkshire and its surrounding regions, with notable concentrations in the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. The name has its roots in the medieval period, and has evolved over time as families migrated and settled in different areas.

One of the most well-known individuals with the surname Holtby is Winifred Holtby (1898-1935), a British author and journalist, best known for her novel "South Riding". Winifred Holtby was a prominent figure in the intellectual and literary circles of her time, and her work continues to be celebrated for its social commentary and insight into British life.

The Holtby surname, like many English surnames, has undergone various spellings and adaptations throughout history, including variations such as Holteby, Holtebie, and Holdby. Today, individuals bearing the name Holtby can be found not only in the UK but also in other parts of the world, reflecting the global diaspora of British families.

There are approximately 745 people named Holtby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,256th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Holtby.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adrian
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Godfrey
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matt
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard

Female

  • Amanda
  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Je
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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