The name Holli is derived from the Old English word "holih," which means "hollow" or "sunken." It is believed to have originated in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, sometime between the 5th and 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Holli can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and property values commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, a landowner named Holli is listed as holding property in the county of Norfolk.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Holli was relatively uncommon, but it can be found in various historical records and documents from that period. One notable bearer of the name was Holli of Huntingdon, a 12th-century chronicler and historian who wrote extensively about the history of England.

During the Renaissance period, the name Holli gained some popularity, particularly among the upper classes. One famous bearer of the name was Holli Holbein, a German artist and printmaker who lived from 1497 to 1543. He is best known for his portraits of prominent figures of the time, including King Henry VIII of England.

In the 17th century, the name Holli appeared in several literary works, including the play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" by William Shakespeare. One of the characters in the play is named Holli Page.

Another notable bearer of the name Holli was Holli Parke, an English botanist and gardener who lived from 1663 to 1706. He is credited with introducing numerous plant species to England and is considered one of the pioneers of modern horticulture.

As the name Holli continued to be used over the centuries, it gained various spellings and variations, such as Holly, Hollie, and Hallie. While it has remained a relatively uncommon name, it has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including the American actress Holli Hunter, born in 1958, and the Canadian singer-songwriter Holli Cole, born in 1981.