"hollow land, forested land"
Origin: Old Dutch
Language: English
Holland
Pronunciation: [ h-AHL-uhnd ]
Girl Name
#602 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A European place name with chic, worldly flair
American
English
Modern
Unique
Sophisticated
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"place name: the Netherlands region"
Origin: Dutch
Language: English
The Story of Holland
Holland originated as a place name referring to the western coastal region of the Netherlands (now North and South Holland provinces). The name comes from the Old Dutch 'holtland,' meaning 'hollow land' or 'forested land.' As a given name, Holland follows the modern American trend of repurposing sophisticated place names — like Brooklyn, Ireland, and London — as first names, particularly for girls.
Holland as a girl's name emerged in the 2000s and grew steadily through the 2010s as surname-style and place names gained popularity for girls. It gained notable visibility when actress Holland Roden appeared in the hit TV series 'Teen Wolf' (2011–2017), introducing the name to a younger generation.
The Netherlands, often called Holland in common parlance, is associated with art (Vermeer, Rembrandt), flowers (tulips), and progressive culture. As a given name, Holland carries connotations of European sophistication and artistic heritage.
Fun Facts
- 'Holland' technically refers only to two of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands, though it's commonly used for the whole country
- Holland Roden, star of Teen Wolf, was one of the first prominent bearers of this name as a given name
- Tulips — the flower most associated with Holland — were originally imported from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century
Holland in Other Languages
Dutch
Holland
French
Hollande
German
Holland
Spanish
Holanda
Famous People Named Holland
T
Tom Holland
Actor
1996
British actor who plays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Holland as a surname reinforces the name's modern r...
British actor who plays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Holland as a surname reinforces the name's modern recognition
H
Holland Roden
Actor
1986
American actress known for her role as Lydia Martin in the MTV series 'Teen Wolf' (2011–2017)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #602
- Total SSA Count
- 498
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Hollie
Holly
Holls
Pairs Well With
Holland Grace
Holland Mae
Holland Rose
Holland Reeve
Holland James
Holland Claire
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Holland is also used as a boy name, ranked #1561.
View Holland as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Holland
What does the name Holland mean?
"hollow land, forested land" (from Old Dutch). "place name: the Netherlands region" (from Dutch). Holland originated as a place name referring to the western coastal region of the Netherlands (now North and South Holland provinces). The name comes from the Old Dutch 'holtland,' meaning 'hollow land' or 'forested land.' As a given name, Holland follows the modern American trend of repurposing sophisticated place names — like Brooklyn, Ireland, and London — as first names, particularly for girls.
What is the origin of the name Holland?
Holland has Old Dutch, Dutch, American, and English origins. In Old Dutch, it means "hollow land, forested land". In Dutch, it means "place name: the Netherlands region".
Is Holland a boy or girl name?
Holland is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #602. As a boy name, it is ranked #1561. Holland is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Holland?
Holland is pronounced h-AHL-uhnd.
How popular is the name Holland?
Holland is currently ranked #602 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Holland?
Common nicknames for Holland include Hollie, Holly, and Holls.
What are good middle names for Holland?
Popular middle name pairings include Holland Grace, Holland Mae, Holland Rose, Holland Reeve, Holland James, and Holland Claire.
What are good sibling names for Holland?
Names that pair well with Holland as siblings include Scout, Wren, Sawyer, Finn, Reeve, and Ellis.
How many syllables does Holland have?
Holland has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Holland a common or rare name?
Holland is moderately common, ranked #602 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Holland
Holland is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "hollow land, forested land" in Old Dutch .
Is Holland a boy or girl name? Holland is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #602 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,561. Holland is more commonly used as a girl name.
Holland is currently ranked #602 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Holland has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AHL-uhnd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Holland include Hollie, Holly, and Holls. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Holland include Holly, Hollis, Hollyn, Hollie, Holley . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.