Surname Holiday - Meaning and Origin
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A Personal Journey Through iGENEA DNA Testing: Understanding the Surname Holiday
Delving into my past was made both exciting and accurate by the iGENEA DNA test. The revelation of my ancestral path connected to the surname 'Holiday' and the sophisticated technicalities that brought forth this information, have deepened my understanding of who I am and where my roots truly lie. The journey through my DNA resulted in surprising historical connections and an intimate glimpse into my lineage.
I. Holiday
read moreHoliday: What does the surname Holiday mean?
The last name Holiday originates from the Middle English personal name, or nickname, 'haligdaeg', which was derived from the Old English words 'halig' meaning 'holy' and 'daeg' meaning 'day'. It was most commonly used as a nickname for someone born or baptized on a holy day. Over time, the name began to be patronymically used as a surname - hence 'Holiday' as a surname - and was most likely used as an indicator of marital status or that the family was of high religious standing.
Today, Holiday is most commonly pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, meaning that the 'daeg' syllable in Old English has been transformed. It is a fairly common last name and can be found in many locations around the world. The meaning of the name still carries, and is often a reminder of the importance of holy days. It can also be seen as a reminder to cherish days of rest and take time to celebrate the life and lifestyle that comes with it.
Order DNA origin analysisHoliday: Where does the name Holiday come from?
The last name Holiday is most commonly found in countries of the United Kingdom, particularly English-speaking ones. It is also quite prevalent amongst people of Irish descent, who may have come to the country as immigrants.
Within the UK, the last name Holiday is most popularly seen in the regions of Yorkshire, Lancashire, North and West Midlands, and Shropshire. These places have seen the highest concentration of the surname throughout UK history, although it can be found in other locations.
It is also a commonplace last name in the United States. The first known record of the surname is found in the 1700s, when a Robert Holiday settled in colonial Virginia. Since then, more and more individuals with the last name have moved across the country, with records now showing their presence in most of the United States.
The meaning of the last name is thought to derive from the Middle English word ‘holidai’, which likely comes from the Old English ‘haligdag’, meaning ‘holiday’. As such, the surname may have been given to an individual who was associated with a kind of ballet-like performance that occurred during holidays and special occasions.
It is likely, however, that the surname has multiple meanings or origins. The most popular theory, however, is this one, as suggested by the etymology.
Variations of the surname Holiday
The surname Holiday is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the word "haligdæg", which means "holy day" or "holiday". Variants of this surname include Halliday, Holliday, Hollady, Holledey, Hollieday, and Halladay.
Halliday is the most commonly found variant and is the most widespread mainly in the United States. The earliest records for this name appear in Scotland in the 13th century when Albinus Heledeg was recorded in the records of Aberdeen in 1275. The name was first brought to England by the Norman Conquerors of 1066. A Geoffrey Helegedey is recorded in the name rolls of the city of Dublin in 1288.
Holliday is an older variant of the name which dates back to the late 13th century. It is believed to have originated from the old English word for holy and day. Records of the name can be found in Dunwich in the year 1296.
Variant spellings of this name include Holledey, Hollieday, and Haliday. Holledey is especially common in Ireland, while Haliday and Hollieday are found mainly in the United States.
There are also a few interesting surnames that share the same origin as Holiday, such as Hallyday, Haliday, Hilliday, and Heloday. Hallyday, an English surname, is derived from the Germanic words for “holy” and “day”. Haliday, an Irish surname, is derived from the Latin word for “holiday”. Hilliday, an American surname, is derived from the French words for “holy” and “day”. Heloday, an English surname, is derived from the Old English word for “holiday”.
Overall, variations, spellings, and surnames originating from the surname Holiday, are quite numerous and all derive from the same source of Anglo-Saxon origin. Those with the surname should be proud to know its strong history and lineage.
Famous people with the name Holiday
- Billie Holiday: the iconic American jazz singer and songwriter, also known as “Lady Day”, whose distinctive vocal style and evocative delivery changed the landscape of music forever
- Ruby Holiday: a gospel singer from Arkansas who was known for her powerful and expressive style of singing
- Jazz Holiday: an up and coming jazz singer from Canada who is quickly gaining recognition in the music industry
- Ella Holiday: a successful British singer and songwriter specializing in a mix of soul and R&B
- Jean Holiday: an American country singer and songwriter who won a Grammy Award in 1990 for her single “I Love the Way You Love Me”
- Doris Holiday: an outstandingly talented tap dancer from Atlanta who was best known for her inventive choreography
- Luther Holiday: a world-renowned drummer from the United States whose work includes many Grammy-nominated collaborations such as Kendrick Lamar's “To Pimp A Butterfly”
- Johnny Holiday: a playwright from Dublin, Ireland, whose works include the critically acclaimed “Comedy of Errors”
- Ray Holiday: an American rhythm and blues music producer whose work has greatly influenced many of today's popular artists
- Janice Holiday: an accomplished singer from Jamaica best known for her upbeat and infectious reggae tunes.