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Holt Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Holt Surname

Holt is a surname of Proto-Germanic origin, with its roots in the Old English word "holt," meaning a small wood or grove of trees. This term, closely related to the German word "Holz," historically referred to forested uplands, reflecting the geographical features significant to those who first adopted the name. The Holt surname first appeared in English records during the early 12th century, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey.

Over the centuries, the Holt name spread geographically and culturally. Initially prominent in England, the surname evolved into various spellings, such as "Hoult," more common in northern England. Its linguistic siblings can be found across Scandinavia, with variations like "Hult" in Sweden and "Hulti" in Finland. These variations underscore the name's adaptability and the migration patterns of those who bore it, expanding the Holt family tree internationally.

The YourRoots dataset enriches this narrative by confirming the Holt surname's English origins in the 12th century. It provides detailed insights into how Holt families established and expanded their branches across England during the 13th and 14th centuries. The dataset highlights the significant migrations of the 17th and 18th centuries, as many Holts ventured to the United States, contributing to the surname's prevalence in America.

Today, Holt genealogy records illustrate a robust global presence, particularly in the United States. The YourRoots database offers valuable resources for those tracing their Holt family tree, emphasizing the ongoing exploration and connection to a shared heritage. This comprehensive data aids family historians in understanding the dynamic history of the Holt surname and its role in shaping individual and collective identities.

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Tracing Your Holt Family Lineage

Origin of the Holt Family: Where does the Holt surname come from?

The Holt surname first appears in historical records during the early part of the 12th century in England, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey. This early mention indicates a foundational connection to English lineage, suggesting that families bearing the Holt name began to establish their roots and family trees in this period. The origins of the surname may be linked to geographical features, as "holt" refers to a small wood or grove, which could have been significant in the lives of these early families.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Holt

Throughout the following centuries, the Holt family began to flourish, particularly in England, where they became increasingly prominent. By the 13th century, the surname gained more recognition, with families establishing branches of their lineage across various regions, contributing to the growth of the family tree. The 14th and 15th centuries saw further expansion, as more branches emerged, indicating a developing network of Holt families throughout the English countryside.

As the centuries progressed, the Holt family continued to build upon their genealogical heritage, with many individuals taking on roles in local communities. The 16th century marked a significant increase in the surname's presence, as families began to spread beyond their initial English roots, setting the stage for future migrations and the establishment of Holt branches in new territories.

Tracing the Holt Family Tree Through the Centuries

The 17th century heralded a new chapter for the Holt surname, as many individuals emigrated to the United States, leading to a remarkable expansion of the family tree across the Atlantic. This migration continued into the 18th century, where the Holt name became increasingly common in America, reflecting the broader patterns of settlement and growth during this period. By the 19th century, the Holt family had firmly established itself in various regions of the United States, contributing to the rich tapestry of American genealogy.

As the 20th century approached, the Holt surname remained prevalent in the United States, showcasing the enduring legacy of these families. The early part of the 21st century has seen a slight decline in frequency, yet the Holt family tree continues to thrive, with descendants exploring their rich lineage and connections. This global spread of the Holt surname illustrates the dynamic nature of family history, reflecting migration patterns, societal changes, and the enduring quest for identity.

Where to Find Holt Genealogy Records Today

In the modern era, the Holt surname can be found across various regions, particularly in the United States, where it has a strong presence. As families continue to explore their ancestry in the 21st century, many are turning to resources like the YourRoots database to trace their genealogy and

Famous People with Holt (and Their Family Tree)

Olivia Holt

Olivia Hastings Holt, born August 5, 1997, is a renowned American actress and singer, celebrated for her dynamic roles on Disney XD's "Kickin' It," Disney Channel's "Girl vs. Monster," and Freeform's "Cloak & Dagger." Her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" in 2023 marks a significant milestone in her career. As a musician, Holt's debut EP "Olivia" and her hit single "Generous," which topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, showcase her multifaceted talents.

Olivia Holt was born in Germantown, Tennessee, to parents Mark and Kim Holt. She grew up in Nesbit, Mississippi, with her two siblings after a brief stint in Memphis. Her family's support played a pivotal role in her journey to stardom.

Rosie Holt

Rosie Holt is a British actress, comedian, and satirist known for her sharp political satire and comedic performances. Her career highlights include her viral satirical videos, "Woman Who...," which gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 lockdown, and her appearances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of the double act Holt and Talbot. Holt's work also extends to radio, with a notable appearance on BBC Radio 4's The Museum of Curiosity. Her television credits include roles in "The Russell Howard Hour" and the Channel 4 pilot "Bounty." Holt's satirical content and innovative comedic videos have earned her a significant online following, as highlighted in publications like The Guardian and Backstage magazine.

Rosie Holt hails from Somerset, in the west of England. Additional details about her parents or family origins are not provided in the source text.

Claire Holt

Claire Rhiannon Holt, an acclaimed Australian-American actress, gained international recognition through her role as Rebekah Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. Her career began with a debut in H2O: Just Add Water, followed by appearances in Mean Girls 2 and Pretty Little Liars. Holt's film credits include the thriller 47 Meters Down and the comedy horror Untitled Horror Movie, which she also executive produced. She has been nominated for a Teen Choice Award, underscoring her impact on television. Beyond acting, Holt has collaborated on fashion projects and participated in marathons, raising significant funds for charity, enhancing her reputation as a versatile and philanthropic personality.

Claire Holt was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, to Geoffrey and Ann Holt. Her family background, rooted in Australia, provided the foundation for her flourishing career in entertainment, leading to her successful transition to the American film and television industry.

Sandrine Holt

Sandrine Claire Holt, a Canadian actress born on November 19, 1972, in London, has carved a significant niche in film and television. Known for her versatility, she debuted in "Friday the 13th: The Series" and gained prominence with roles in "Black Robe," "Resident Evil: Apocalypse," and "House of Cards." Her performances in "Terminator Genisys," "Fear the Walking Dead," and "MacGyver" further showcase her range. Most recently, she was cast in "Daredevil: Born Again," but the role was later reassigned. Her diverse roles highlight her adaptability and talent, making her a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.

Sandrine Holt was born to a multicultural family; her father, Man Shun ("Horace") Ho, is Chinese and her mother, Christiane (née Nicolette), is French. Her family moved to Toronto when she was five, where she was raised alongside her younger sister, Adrianne Ho, a model and designer. This rich cultural heritage has influenced Holt's unique identity and career.

Georgia Holt

Georgia Holt, born Jackie Jean Crouch, was a multifaceted American talent known for her achievements as a singer-songwriter, model, and actress. Best recognized as the mother of Cher, Holt's career highlights include singing on an Oklahoma City radio station at six and performing with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys by ten. She appeared in television and film roles in the 1950s and released the album "Honky Tonk Woman" in 2013. Holt was featured in the Lifetime documentary "Dear Mom, Love Cher," which showcased her journey and career, further cementing her legacy in entertainment.

Georgia Holt was born on June 9, 1926, in Kensett, Arkansas, to Lynda Inez Gulley and Roy Malloy Crouch. Of English, German, Irish, French, Dutch, and Cherokee descent, Holt frequently moved between her parents and attended numerous schools. Her father, a baker, taught her to sing and play guitar, shaping her early musical foundation. Holt married six times, with her first husband being John Paul Sarkisian, Cher's father, and had two daughters, Cher and Georganne LaPiere. She had two grandsons, Chaz Bono and Elijah Blue Allman.

Holt Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Holt" has Proto-Germanic origins, meaning a small wood or grove of trees, and it derives from the Old English word "holt." It is related to the modern German words "Holz" and "Wald" and appears in various forms in Scandinavian and Finnish placenames. The name is also spelled "Hoult," particularly in northern England.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Holt

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Holt family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Holt surname to learn more.