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Holmes

Quick answerThe given name 'Holmes' means "dweller by the holly trees" or "from the holly island," derived from Old English *holen* (holly) and *holm* (island or river meadow).

English · Boy · 2 syllables

H
Rare

Popularity & facts

Relative popularity index, 2010–2025
GenderBoy
US Rank#11,445
TrendStable
Peak year1915
Syllables2
OriginEnglish
LanguageOld English
CultureEnglish
Letters6
Numerology9 Chaldean 9
Global rank#11,445

Popularity over time

Popularity index
Hover the line to see any year. 100 = most popular.

Historical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data

About the name Holmes

The given name 'Holmes' means "dweller by the holly trees" or "from the holly island," derived from Old English *holen* (holly) and *holm* (island or river meadow).

This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.

Etymology

The given name 'Holmes' means "dweller by the holly trees" or "from the holly island," derived from Old English *holen* (holly) and *holm* (island or river meadow). It is primarily used in English-speaking cultures, notably as a surname-turned-given name, with historical prominence from figures like the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, though it has no specific religious association.

Holmes currently ranks #11,445 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1915.

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