Hollis is a unisex name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The name has a rich history and a unique meaning that makes it a great choice for parents looking for a name that is both modern and timeless.
Derived from Middle English, the name Hollis means “dweller at the holly trees”. It was originally given to a person who lived near a group of those trees. The name has been used as a surname for many centuries and has recently become a popular choice for a first name for both boys and girls. In fact, at last count, it was given to 199 baby boys and 163 baby girls in the US, a significant rise for both genders over the last handful of years.
The Meaning and Origin of Hollis
Hollis is a unisex name of English origin that means “dweller at the holly trees.” It is derived from the Middle English word “holis,” which means holly trees. The name was originally given to people who lived near a group of holly trees.
The holly tree has been an important symbol in many cultures throughout history. In ancient Celtic mythology, the holly tree was believed to have protective powers and was associated with the winter solstice. In Christianity, the holly tree has been associated with Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hollis has been used as a surname-name and a given name for both boys and girls. It has gained popularity in recent years, with 199 baby boys and 163 baby girls in the US being given the name.
The table below summarizes the meaning and origin of Hollis:
| Entity | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Origin | English |
| Old English | Holegn or possibly holen or holen |
| Near the Holly | Refers to people living near a group of holly trees |
| Holly Tree | Refers to the holly tree, which has been an important symbol in many cultures |
| English Origin | Hollis is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word “holis” |
Overall, the name Hollis is a unique and meaningful name that is steeped in history and tradition.
Hollis as a Surname and Given Name
Hollis is a name that can be used as both a surname and a given name. It has a long history and a variety of meanings associated with it. Here are some interesting facts about the name Hollis:
- As a surname, Hollis is derived from the Old English word for holly, which was a common feature of the English countryside. It was originally given to people who lived near holly trees or bushes.
- The Hollis surname is most commonly found in England and the United States, but it can be found in other countries as well.
- As a given name, Hollis is considered to be gender-neutral, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.
- In recent years, the name Hollis has become more popular as a boy’s name, but it is still relatively unique and not as commonly used as some other names.
- Some famous people with the surname Hollis include British architect Charles Hollis, American game designer Andy Hollis, and English classical scholar Adrian Hollis.
- Some famous people with the given name Hollis include American football player Hollis Thomas and American singer Hollis Brown.
Overall, the name Hollis has a rich history and can be used as both a surname and a given name for boys and girls. Whether you are looking for a unique name with a historical meaning or simply like the sound of the name, Hollis is a great choice.
Hollis in Different Cultures
The name Hollis has its roots in English culture, but it has gained popularity in various parts of the world. Here is a brief overview of how the name is perceived in different cultures.
United States
In the United States, the name Hollis is used for both boys and girls. It has gained popularity in recent years, with notable connections for both genders. Hollis Thompson is a professional male basketball player, while Hollis is an outsized favorite for girls in South Carolina, where Pete Hollis was a community folk hero.
England
Hollis is a name that has been used in England for centuries. It is derived from the Old English word for holly, which was a popular plant in medieval England. The name is still used today, although it is not as common as it once was.
British Culture
Hollis is a name that is associated with British culture. It is often used as a surname, and there are several notable people with the name. These include Adrian Hollis, a British philosopher, and Gwendolyn Hollis, a British journalist.
American Culture
In American culture, the name Hollis is associated with strength and resilience. It is a name that is often given to children who are expected to overcome adversity and succeed in life.
South Carolina
Hollis is a popular name for girls in South Carolina, where it is associated with strength and independence. It is often used to honor the legacy of Pete Hollis, a community folk hero who fought for civil rights and social justice in the state.
Overall, the name Hollis is a popular and meaningful choice for parents around the world. It has a rich history and is associated with strength, resilience, and independence.
Popularity of the Name Hollis
Hollis is a unique name that has been used for both boys and girls for many years. According to BabyCenter user data, the name Hollis was ranked #1850 in popularity in 2022, which is a decrease of 379 from the previous year.
While the name Hollis is not currently one of the most popular baby names, it has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. In fact, Nameberry reports that the name Hollis has seen an 18% increase in popularity in the past week alone.
Despite its increasing popularity, the name Hollis remains relatively uncommon, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for a unique and distinctive name for their child.
If you like the name Hollis but are looking for other similar options, there are several names that have a similar sound or meaning. Some of these names include:
- Holly
- Hollister
- Hollace
- Hollin
- Hollen
Overall, the name Hollis is a great option for parents who are looking for a unique and distinctive name for their child. With its increasing popularity and timeless meaning, the name Hollis is sure to be a great choice for many years to come.
Hollis in Pop Culture
Hollis is a name that has made appearances in various aspects of pop culture. Here are some notable mentions:
Music
Hollis is the last name of the famous hip-hop group Run-DMC’s DJ, Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason William Mizell. He was born on January 21, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, and was tragically murdered in 2002. The group’s 1985 hit song “King of Rock” features the lyrics “I’m DJ Run, I can scratch, I’m Jam Master Jay, Hollis crew, we’re devastating, we know what to do.”
College
Hollis College is a small liberal arts college located in Hollis, New Hampshire. It was founded in 2008 and offers undergraduate degrees in various fields such as business, psychology, and education.
Pretty Little Liars
In the popular TV series Pretty Little Liars, Hollis College is the fictional university where the character Ezra Fitz teaches English. The college is also mentioned in the show’s spin-off series, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.
The Passage
In the book series The Passage by Justin Cronin, Hollis Wilson is a character who is part of the group that sets out to save humanity from a virus that turns people into vampires. Hollis is portrayed as a brave and loyal member of the group who is willing to risk his life for the greater good.
Overall, Hollis has made its mark in various areas of pop culture, from music to literature to television. Its usage in these different contexts shows its versatility and adaptability as a name.
Famous People Named Hollis
The name Hollis has been used by many notable people throughout history. Here are some of the most well-known people named Hollis:
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Hollis Thompson: A professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans. He was born on April 3, 1991, in Los Angeles, California.
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Charles Hollis: A British architect who designed many notable buildings in the 19th century, including the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Francis Hollis: A Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Victoria in British Columbia from 1949 to 1953.
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George Hollis: A British footballer who played as a forward for Sheffield United and England in the early 20th century.
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H. H. Hollis: An American politician who served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1913 to 1917.
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Joe Hollis: A community folk hero from the Ozarks in Arkansas who was known for his storytelling and fiddle playing.
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John Hollis: A British actor who appeared in many films and television shows, including “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Doctor Who.”
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Mary Cal Hollis: An American educator and activist who worked to improve the lives of African Americans in Mississippi during the 20th century.
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Patrice Hollis: An American model who was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in September 2007.
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Thomas Hollis: An English philanthropist and supporter of the American Revolution who donated many books and manuscripts to Harvard University.
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Pete Hollis: A former American football player who played for the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Bob Dylan: An American singer-songwriter who was born Robert Allen Zimmerman but briefly used the name Hollis Brown as a pseudonym early in his career.
Overall, the name Hollis has been used by many accomplished and interesting people throughout history.
Symbolism and Associations with Hollis
The name Hollis has a rich symbolic meaning that is closely tied to nature. The name is derived from the holly tree, which is known for its evergreen leaves and bright red berries. Holly trees have been revered for centuries for their beauty, strength, and resilience.
In addition to its association with the holly tree, the name Hollis is also associated with other trees such as oak and elm. These trees are known for their strength and durability, making them powerful symbols of resilience and endurance.
The name Hollis is also associated with the heart, which is often seen as the center of emotions and love. This association reflects the name’s strong ties to fertility and the natural world, which are both closely linked to the heart and its rhythms.
In Holland, the name Hollis is often associated with the banks of the country’s many rivers and canals. This association reflects the name’s connection to water and the natural world, which are both important sources of life and vitality.
Overall, the name Hollis is a classic and timeless choice that reflects the strength, resilience, and natural beauty of the world around us. Whether you choose this name for your child or simply appreciate its rich symbolism and associations, it is sure to be a powerful and meaningful addition to your life.
Names Related to Hollis
If you like the name Hollis but want to explore other options, here are some related names to consider:
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Henry: A classic name of German origin meaning “ruler of the household.” Henry is a popular name that has been in use for centuries and has many variations, including Harry and Hank.
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Holden: An English name meaning “hollow valley.” Holden is a unique and modern name that has gained popularity in recent years.
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Isla: A Scottish name meaning “island.” Isla is a beautiful and feminine name that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
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Hollace: A variation of the name Hollis, Hollace is a unisex name of English origin meaning “dweller at the holly trees.”
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Ives: A French name meaning “yew.” Ives is a unique and uncommon name that has a sophisticated and elegant sound.
Overall, these names have a similar sound or meaning to Hollis and may be a good alternative for parents who are looking for a similar name.
Hollis in the Future
As we look towards the future, the popularity of the name Hollis is likely to continue to rise. With its gender-neutral appeal and connection to nature, it is a name that parents are increasingly drawn to.
In the coming years, we may see more variations of the name Hollis emerge, such as Hollie or Holly for girls and Hollister or Hollen for boys. Additionally, as more parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children, we may see an increase in the use of Hollis as a middle name.
As society becomes more accepting of gender-neutral names, we may also see Hollis used more frequently as a first name for both boys and girls. This could lead to an even greater rise in popularity for the name.
Overall, the future looks bright for the name Hollis. With its timeless connection to nature and its growing popularity, it is sure to remain a popular choice for parents for years to come.