Hollis

Meaning and origin

The last name Hollis has its origins in England, specifically deriving from the Middle English word "holis," meaning "hollow" or "sunken." This surname likely developed as a topographic or locational name for someone living near a hollow or a sunken piece of land. The name Hollis can also be a variant of the surname Hollisters, which refers to one who lived near hazel trees. Overall, the origin of the last name Hollis highlights its connection to the geography and natural landscapes of medieval England.

The longer story

The last name Hollis is of English origin and is primarily found in the United States.

Additionally, the Hollis surname has been found in various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Essex, and Norfolk. This dispersion of the name indicates that it was not limited to a specific geographic area, but rather spread across the country.

One interesting aspect of the Hollis name is its connection to aristocracy. While it is uncertain if this applies to all bearers of the Hollis surname, it suggests the possibility of an illustrious past for some.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.