"dweller near the holly trees"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
Hollis
Pronunciation: [ h-AHL-ihs ]
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A woodland surname with timeless natural charm
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American
Earthy
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Meaning & Origin
"holly tree settlement"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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The Story of Hollis
Hollis originates from the Middle English surname Holles, meaning one who lives near the holly trees. Holly trees were considered sacred in Celtic traditions and were believed to ward off evil spirits. The name transitioned from a surname to a given name in the 19th century and has become increasingly popular as a gender-neutral option.
Hollis has been gaining traction as parents seek nature-inspired names that feel distinctive but not too unusual. It appeals to those who love Holly but want something more unusual and gender-flexible.
Holly trees hold deep significance in British folklore, associated with protection, luck, and winter festivities. The name carries a connection to nature and the English countryside.
Historical Record
Hollis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,202 babies have been named Hollis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hollis is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,239 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Holly trees were sacred to the Celts and used to decorate homes in winter
- Hollis was originally an English surname meaning someone living near holly trees
Hollis in Other Languages
French
Hollis
German
Hollis
Spanish
Hollis
Popularity Over Time
#1,239
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hollis
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Hollis Mason Fictional
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Compare Hollis with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,239
- Total SSA Count
- 188
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Holly
Holl
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hollis
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Hollis is also used as a boy name, ranked #1055.
View Hollis as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hollis
What does the name Hollis mean?
"dweller near the holly trees" (from Middle English). "holly tree settlement" (from Old English). Hollis originates from the Middle English surname Holles, meaning one who lives near the holly trees. Holly trees were considered sacred in Celtic traditions and were believed to ward off evil spirits. The name transitioned from a surname to a given name in the 19th century and has become increasingly popular as a gender-neutral option.
What is the origin of the name Hollis?
Hollis has Middle English, Old English, English, and American origins. In Middle English, it means "dweller near the holly trees". In Old English, it means "holly tree settlement".
Is Hollis a boy or girl name?
Hollis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1239. As a boy name, it is ranked #1055. Hollis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Hollis?
Hollis is pronounced h-AHL-ihs.
How popular is the name Hollis?
Hollis is currently ranked #1239 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hollis?
Common nicknames for Hollis include Holly and Holl.
What are good middle names for Hollis?
Popular middle name pairings include Hollis Mae, Hollis Jane, Hollis Rose, Hollis Quinn, Hollis Grace, and Hollis Wren.
What are good sibling names for Hollis?
Names that pair well with Hollis as siblings include Ellis, Sylvie, Waverly, Brooks, Fletcher, and Willa.
How many syllables does Hollis have?
Hollis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hollis a common or rare name?
Hollis is an uncommon name, ranked #1239 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Hollis?
About the Name Hollis
Hollis is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "dweller near the holly trees" in Middle English .
Is Hollis a boy or girl name? Hollis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,239 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,055. Hollis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hollis is currently ranked #1,239 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hollis has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AHL-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hollis include Holly and Holl. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hollis include Holly, Holland, Hollyn, Hollie, Holley . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis