Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hollis originates from Old English, meaning 'dweller by the holly trees.' It evolved from the word 'holly' and has historical roots as a surname before becoming popular as a first name in the 20th century. The name is associated with nature and symbolizes protection. It has no biblical relevance, and notable figures with this name include filmmakers and athletes.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɒlɪs/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Hollis is derived from the Old English word 'holly,' referring to the holly tree, which is often associated with Christmas and symbolizes protection and defense.
Meaning
dweller by the holly trees
Language Evolution
Holly (Old English: holeg), Hollis (Middle English), Hollis (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Hollis gained popularity as a surname in medieval England and later became adopted as a given name in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Holly, Hollie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hollis is perceived as a unique and nature-inspired name, often associated with qualities of strength and resilience.
Famous People
Hollis Frampton, an influential American filmmaker and artist, Hollis Thomas, a former professional American football player
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 396 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 39 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 369th of 7545 | 4,145 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 406th of 6773 | 3,704 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 624th of 7552 | 2,718 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 964th of 10718 | 1,133 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1688th of 16616 | 719 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2101st of 24088 | 936 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1131st of 23106 | 2,110 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1678th of 9107 | 419 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1846th of 9204 | 361 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1172nd of 12526 | 1,483 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3139th of 19264 | 351 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3491st of 27321 | 458 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3932nd of 35406 | 572 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1599th of 30306 | 1,639 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
30.58% 433rd/1416 |
36.04% 497th/1379 |
11.41% 270th/2366 |
66.64% 761st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
37.06% 573rd/1546 |
39.14% 609th/1556 |
12.54% 295th/2353 |
51.65% 799th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
35.02% 780th/2227 |
35.31% 858th/2430 |
17.25% 492nd/2853 |
30.56% 848th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
38.44% 1129th/2937 |
40.68% 1417th/3483 |
22.46% 790th/3518 |
45.15% 1826th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
26.34% 1368th/5194 |
35.16% 2221st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
56.22% 2576th/4582 |
64.60% 3336th/5164 |
24.39% 1784th/7313 |
47.17% 3520th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
29.09% 1159th/3984 |
56.54% 2537th/4487 |
13.37% 912th/6822 |
25.18% 1580th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
86.51% 1225th/1416 |
- | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
77.38% 1204th/1556 |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
41.09% 915th/2227 |
33.87% 823rd/2430 |
69.51% 1983rd/2853 |
52.61% 1460th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
74.72% 3881st/5194 |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
50.58% 3699th/7313 |
83.68% 6245th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
46.06% 1835th/3984 |
78.18% 3508th/4487 |
17.87% 1219th/6822 |
39.64% 2488th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alabama across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 369th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 406th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 624th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 964th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1688th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2101st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1131st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1678th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1846th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1172nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3139th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3491st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3932nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1599th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.