Holt Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Holt come from? What does the surname Holt mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Holt and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Hohlt, Holtan, Holte, Holten, Holter, Holtman, Holtmann, Hoult
Surname Holt Origin: What does the last name Holt mean?
The surname Holt is of Proto-Germanic origin, meaning a small wood or grove of trees. It derives from the Old English word "holt" and is related to the modern German words "Holz" and "Wald." The name is also found in Scandinavian countries, such as Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, as Holt, Hult, or Holte. The surname Holt has been traced back to the early 12th century in the United Kingdom and has since spread globally.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Holt surname in the United Kingdom since the early 12th century, with significant growth observed in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Holt surname can be found in various countries worldwide, indicating its widespread distribution over the centuries. This surname carries a legacy of wooded landscapes and reflects a diverse heritage that transcends borders and cultures.
Holt Last Name History: Where did the last name Holt come from?
Origin of Holt Surname: Where does the last name Holt originate from?
The earliest instance of the surname Holt appears in the YourRoots database from the United Kingdom during the early 12th century. This only reflects YourRoots data for the exact “Holt” spelling and does not account for other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Holt: What does the Holt surname history look like in the early days?
From the 12th to the 15th century, the Holt surname was predominantly associated with the United Kingdom, according to YourRoots data. Over time, the Holt surname began to appear in other countries, indicating the start of its global spread. However, it's essential to note that the specific countries for this early growth period are not provided in the data summary.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Holt surname today?
The volume of records with the Holt surname began to significantly increase in the United States by the 17th century, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in the 20th century, the Holt surname appears to have spread globally, although the specific countries aren't provided in the data summary. Today, the Holt surname appears prominently in the United States, but it is also found in many regions worldwide, reflecting its global spread over the centuries.
Explore Holt last name heritage and Holt surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Holt Surame?
Olivia Holt
Olivia Hastings Holt (born Aug 5, 1997) is an American actress and singer known for her roles in Disney's "Kickin' It," "Girl vs. Monster," "I Didn't Do It," and Marvel's "Cloak & Dagger." She released her debut EP "Olivia" in 2016 and made her Broadway debut in "Chicago" in 2023.
Charlene Holt
Verna Charlene Holt (April 28, 1928 - April 5, 1996) was an American actress known for her supporting roles in television and film. She appeared in various commercials before being cast in movies by director Howard Hawks, including "Man's Favorite Sport?" and "El Dorado." Holt's first credited role was in the comedy film "If a Man Answers" in 1962.
Bertha Holt
Bertha Marian Holt (Feb 5, 1904 - 2000) founded Holt International Children's Services and advocated for changing adoption laws. Known as "Grandma Holt," she and her husband adopted eight children, leading to the creation of the agency. Her legacy includes induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Isabel Wood Holt
Isabel Wood Holt (Jan 23, 1899 - Sep 5, 1996) was the wife of former Governor of West Virginia Homer A. Holt. She served as the state's First Lady from 1937-1941. Known for her dedication to her family and gardening skills, she left a lasting impact on her community.
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