Holly Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Holly come from? What does the surname Holly mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Holly and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Holly Origin: What does the last name Holly mean?
The surname Holly is of English and Irish origin, with roots in both locational and descriptive elements. In England, it is believed to have derived from the Old English hol lēah, meaning "[dwelling by] the clearing by the hollow", or hol-ēage, translating to "hollow-eyed". In Ireland, it was also used as a translation of the Gaelic name Mac Cuilinn, which refers to the holly tree. The surname Holly has been traced back to the early 16th century in England, and it spread notably in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the United States.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Holly has a global presence, with significant records in countries like England and the United States. By the 20th century, the Holly surname had gained prominence, especially in the United States. It continues to be prevalent in various regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different cultures and geographies.
Holly Last Name History: Where did the last name Holly come from?
Origin of Holly Surname: Where does the last name Holly originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Holly first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Holly spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Holly: What does the Holly surname history look like in the early days?
The Holly surname started growing notably in the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily in the United States. YourRoots data also shows Holly family records in countries like England, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Holly surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Holly surname grew significantly in the United States. The Holly surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, and other regions.
Explore Holly last name heritage and Holly surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Holly Surame?
Buddy Holly
Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959) known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who played a pivotal role in shaping the rock and roll genre in the mid-1950s. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Holly rose to fame with hits like "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue." Tragically, he died in a plane crash at the young age of 22, alongside fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Despite his short career, Holly's influence on music is enduring, with artists like the Beatles and Bob Dylan citing him as a major inspiration.
Lauren Holly
Lauren Michael Holly (born Oct 28, 1963) is an American-Canadian actress known for her roles in TV series like Picket Fences and NCIS, as well as films including Dumb and Dumber and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. With a career spanning decades, Holly's versatile performances have captivated audiences on both the small and big screens. Off-screen, she has been married three times and is a dedicated mother to her three adopted children. Holly's talent and charisma have solidified her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Crash Holly
Michael John Lockwood (August 25, 1971 – November 6, 2003) was an American professional wrestler best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as Crash Holly. He gained fame for his hardcore matches and multiple reigns as the WWF Hardcore Champion. Lockwood also held the WWF European Championship and the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship during his career. His tag team with Hardcore Holly, known as the Holly Cousins, was a fan favorite. Lockwood's impact on the wrestling world is still remembered by fans today.
Hardcore Holly
Robert William Howard (born Jan 29, 1963) is an American professional wrestler known as Hardcore Holly. He wrestled for WWE, winning titles like the WWF/E World Tag Team Championship and the WWF Hardcore Championship. Holly also competed in WCW and formed tag teams with wrestlers like Bart Gunn and Cody Rhodes. He suffered a broken neck in a match with Brock Lesnar in 2002, returning to feud with top wrestlers like Mr. Kennedy and Rob Van Dam. Holly published his autobiography, "The Hardcore Truth: The Bob Holly Story," in 2013 and continues to wrestle on the independent circuit.
Molly Holly
Nora Kristina Greenwald (born Sep 7, 1977) is an American retired professional wrestler known as Molly Holly. She held the WWF Hardcore Championship once and the WWE Women's Championship twice. Greenwald was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 and continues to make appearances in WWE events such as WWE Evolution and the Women's Royal Rumble. Outside of wrestling, she serves as a producer for WWE programming. Greenwald began her wrestling career in WCW as Miss Madness and Mona before joining WWE as part of The Holly Cousins stable. She remains a popular figure in the wrestling world, balancing her on-screen persona with her behind-the-scenes role.
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