Meaning: At the holly trees; from Old English holegn (holly tree) — a topographic surname for families living near a holly groveHigh
In 30 seconds: An Old English place-name surname meaning 'at the holly trees.' Crisp and clean, Hollis has been rising for girls alongside Sloane, Sutton, and Wren — the same polished, gender-neutral surname aesthetic.
MeaningAt the holly trees; from Old English holegn (holly tree) — a topographic surname for families living near a holly grove
U.S. rank (2024)#1237 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births188 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,289
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Hollis is an Old English topographic surname from holegn (holly tree), referring to families who lived near holly trees. The holly was sacred in Celtic tradition and important in Christian symbolism. As a given name Hollis has been used for both sexes in the U.S.
Hollis ranked #1237 for girls in 2024, rising with the preppy surname-name trend.
Did you know? The holly tree is one of England's most culturally significant plants — it gave the famous Hollywood neighborhood its name (originally 'Hollywood' from a holly grove), and it appears in Celtic mythology as a sacred tree whose leaves stay green through winter, symbolizing eternal life.
Overall data confidence 91%
Behind the Name — Hollis — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
Hollys
Nicknames
HollieHolz
Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Hollis…
Sloane— one-syllable preppy surname name in the same polished category
Sutton— two-syllable English surname name with the same elegant quality
Wren— one-syllable nature surname name in the same clean-cut tradition
Hadley— two-syllable Old English surname name in the same register
Collis— similar -ollis ending surname name in the same tradition
Frequently Asked
What does the name Hollis mean?
Hollis means 'at the holly trees,' from Old English holegn (holly tree) — a topographic surname for families near a holly grove.
How do you pronounce Hollis?
It's said HOL-is — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Hollis a boy or girl name?
Hollis is used for both sexes but is rising for girls.
