Holmes Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Holmes come from? What does the surname Holmes mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Holmes and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Holme, Holms, Homes
Surname Holmes Origin: What does the last name Holmes mean?
The surname Holmes has English origins and is derived from multiple sources. It can stem from a name for someone living near a holly tree, originating from the Middle English term "holm." Alternatively, it may come from the Old English and Old Norse words for "island" or "river meadow." Another possible origin is from a place near Dundonald or Inchestuir. Additionally, Holmes can be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Thom√°is or a variant of Cavish, derived from Mac Th√°mhais.
YourRoots data indicates that the Holmes surname has been present in England since the early 11th century. Over the centuries, it expanded to the United States, becoming more prevalent from the 16th century onwards. Today, the name Holmes is notably common in the United States, reflecting its global spread to various countries worldwide. This surname carries a rich history and has evolved across different regions and cultures throughout the years.
Holmes Last Name History: Where did the last name Holmes come from?
Origin of Holmes Surname: Where does the last name Holmes originate from?
YourRoots database indicates that the surname Holmes first appeared in records from England in the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Keep in mind that this reflects only the exact spelling "Holmes" in YourRoots data and does not include other potential record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Holmes: What does the Holmes surname history look like in the early days?
The "Holmes" surname maintained a strong presence in the United Kingdom from the 11th through the 15th century. YourRoots data shows that the surname started to become more prevalent in the United States from the 16th century onwards. The history of the Holmes family name, as per YourRoots data, indicates a significant shift from the United Kingdom to the United States over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Holmes surname today?
The frequency of records with the Holmes surname saw substantial growth in the United States starting from the 16th century and continuing into the 18th and 19th centuries, surpassing the United Kingdom. The "Holmes" surname remains notably common in the United States today, as demonstrated by YourRoots data. The Holmes surname can be found in various other countries around the world, reflecting its global spread.
Explore Holmes last name heritage and Holmes surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Holmes Surame?
Katie Holmes
Kate Noelle Holmes (born Dec 18, 1978) is a talented American actress known for her role as Joey Potter on the popular TV series "Dawson's Creek." She has appeared in various films and even made her directorial debut with "All We Had." Holmes was also married to actor Tom Cruise and has a daughter named Suri.
Adrian Holmes
Adrian Holmes (Mar 31, 1974) is a Welsh-born actor known for his roles in popular television series like "19-2," "Bel-Air," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He has won a Canadian Screen Award and has appeared in films like "Red Riding Hood" and "Elysium."
Arielle Holmes
Arielle Holmes (September 17, 1993 - ) is an American actress and writer. She gained fame for her role in the film "Heaven Knows What" (2014), based on her own memoir. Despite her tumultuous past, she overcame addiction and continued her career in Hollywood.
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Peter Benedict "Pete" Holmes (March 30, 1979 - present) is a prominent comedian and host of the popular podcast "You Made It Weird." Known for his witty humor and insightful interviews, Holmes has entertained audiences with his unique blend of comedy, religion, and candid conversations.
Margaret Holmes
Margaret Joan Holmes (January 24, 1909 - September 10, 2009) was an Australian peace activist known for her work during the Vietnam War. She founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in New South Wales and was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia title in 2001.
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