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.
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?
Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Anne Holmes (February 3, 1984 - ) is an American biotechnology entrepreneur known for founding the blood-testing company Theranos. She gained notoriety for a high-profile fraud case that led to her conviction and imprisonment. Holmes initially claimed revolutionary advancements in blood testing technology, but investigations revealed fraudulent practices, resulting in a downfall for Theranos. Despite early success and accolades, including being named the youngest self-made female billionaire by Forbes, Holmes's legal troubles tarnished her reputation. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate deception and unethical behavior in the business world.
Katie Holmes
Kate Noelle Holmes (born Dec 18, 1978) is an American actress known for her role as Joey Potter on the hit TV series Dawson's Creek. She has appeared in a variety of films, from Batman Begins to Logan Lucky, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Holmes made her directorial debut with All We Had and ventured into screenwriting with Alone Together. Her high-profile marriage to Tom Cruise brought her even more attention. With her talent and charm, Holmes continues to captivate audiences on both the big and small screens.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes (January 6, 1854 – ) is a famous fictional detective created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle. Known for his keen observation skills and logical reasoning, Holmes solved mysteries for a wide range of clients, including Scotland Yard. He first appeared in print in 1887 and quickly became popular through a series of short stories in The Strand Magazine. Set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, most of his adventures are narrated by his friend Dr. John H. Watson. Holmes's character has had a lasting impact on mystery writing and popular culture, with numerous adaptations in various forms of media over the past century.
H. H. Holmes
Herman Webster Mudgett (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896), known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or H. H. Holmes, was an American con artist and serial killer active in the late 19th century. Dubbed the Beast of Chicago, he committed insurance fraud, forgery, and multiple murders, including those of his accomplice and possibly 27 others. Holmes gained notoriety for his "Murder Castle," a building in Chicago where he lured victims during the World's Columbian Exposition. Despite conflicting accounts of his life and motives, Holmes is widely regarded as one of America's first documented serial killers, with a chilling legacy that continues to fascinate and horrify.
Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes (November 3, 1949 - ) is an American former professional boxer known for being the world heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1985. His left jab is often considered one of the best in heavyweight boxing history. Holmes had an impressive career, winning his first 48 professional bouts and defeating notable opponents like Muhammad Ali and Mike Weaver. He is frequently ranked as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and has been inducted into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame.
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