Surname Holt - Meaning and Origin
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A Soulful Journey into Ancestry: Unfolding Family Ties & The Holt Surname with iGENEA DNA Test
Through the iGENEA DNA test, I discovered the presence of the Holt surname in my Y-chromosome, which profoundly affected my sense of identity and understanding of my family's history. The experience was an emotional journey that stirred curiosity, excitement, and a newfound reverence towards my ancestry.
L. Holt
read moreHolt: What does the surname Holt mean?
The surname Holt is of English and Germanic origin. It is primarily a topographic name derived from the Old English and Middle Dutch word "holt", which means a 'wood' or 'forest'. Therefore, it refers to one residing in or near a wood or forest, indicating an occupation or geographical feature associated with the person's dwelling. It is also found in many place names often used to denote a small woodland or a grove. In Danish and Norwegian, "Holt" is used to denote a copse or a small piece of woodland. So, the surname reflects the ancestors' close association with nature and wooded locales. The surname began appearing in various documents in the early 13th century. Variations of the name Holt include the Scandinavian Holte and the less common Holts.
Order DNA origin analysisHolt: Where does the name Holt come from?
The last name Holt is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is derived from the Old English term "holt", which means wood or forest. The name thus likely originated as a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived in or worked in a wood or forest.
The surname Holt is commonly used in England and the United States, with a concentration of Holts in the northwest of England, specifically in Lancashire. This surname can also be found in Northern Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway due to a shared linguistic heritage with the Anglo-Saxons.
In the United States, the surname Holt is most common in the south and midwest. According to the 2000 census, the states with the largest numbers of people with the Holt surname are Texas, North Carolina, and California. It's important to keep in mind that this doesn't necessarily reflect the surname's original distribution in the US, because families often move from one part of the country to another.
Variations of the surname Holt
The surname Holt originates from England and Germany. Variants of this surname can involve alternate spellings and names that have a similar origin or meaning.
Common variants and alternate spellings for Holt might include: Holte, Hold, Hould, Holtt, Hult, and in Germany particularly, Holz. These variations may have been developed due to regional dialects and nuances in pronunciation.
Another form the Holt surname can take is when combined with other words to create a more descriptive surname, such as Holthouse, Holtman, or Holtzmann, mainly in Germany. In English-speaking areas, examples could include names like Holtwood or Holtfield, derived from geographical features.
Surnames that might share a common origin with Holt are those with meanings related to woodland or forest, since "Holt" comes from the Old English and German word for a small grove or woodland. Therefore, surnames such as Woods, Forester, or Woodman could be considered as of similar origin.
It's also important to note that not all bearers of the surname Holt or its variants will share an ancestral link, as multiple individuals or families may have independently acquired the name based on where they lived.
Famous people with the name Holt
- Holt McCallany: Actor, known for his roles in various films and TV shows such as Jackie Brown, Mindhunter, and The Boys.
- Renee Holt: Musician, film score composer, singer-songwriter.
- Blake Holt: Professional ice hockey player, currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes.
- Michael Holt: American actor appearing in numerous theater, TV movies and series, and indie films.
- Jeffrey Holt: Actor, known for his roles in the TV shows Dead of Summer and Atlanta.
- Alan Holt: Former member of the California State Assembly, elected from the 35th district in 1980.
- Fred Holt: British Antarctic Survey meteorologist and geophysicist, among the first to observe and research the Antarctic ozone hole.
- Reginald Holt: American actor, writer, and director, although his most famous role is probably his earliest, in West Side Story.
- Norma Holt: Award-winning Welsh singer, actress, author, and musical theatre performer.
- Benjamin Holt: American inventor who patented a continuous track steam traction engine, and founded the Holt Manufact