Find out how popular the first name Holt has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Holt by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Holt is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 84 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Holt.

The history of the first name Holt

The name Holt has its origins in Old English, deriving from the word "holt" which means a small wooded area or a copse. It was initially used as a surname, describing someone who lived near or in a small wooded area. The name has been in use since the 11th century, with records showing it as a surname in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Holt transitioned from being solely a surname to also being used as a given name, particularly in England and other parts of the British Isles. It gained popularity as a first name during the 19th century, as part of the broader trend of using surnames as given names.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Holt as a given name can be found in the works of the English novelist and playwright, Thomas Holcroft (1745-1809). He featured a character named Holt in his 1792 novel, "The Adventures of Hugh Trevor."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Holt. One of the most famous was Holt Collier (1846-1909), an African-American former slave who became a successful author and lecturer. His autobiographical works, including "Life of Holt Collier" and "Every Persecuted Man's Evidence," shed light on the experiences of enslaved people in the American South.

Another prominent figure was Holt Graham (1887-1965), an American golfer and golf course architect. He won several notable tournaments, including the Western Open in 1913 and 1919, and designed numerous golf courses across the United States.

In the field of literature, Holt Ingram (1883-1958) was an American author and journalist, best known for his works on the American West, such as "The Story of the West" and "The Book of the West."

Holt Ruffin (1854-1909) was an African-American businessman and landowner in Mississippi, who became one of the wealthiest black men in the state during the late 19th century.

Lastly, Holt Parker (1905-1998) was an American actor and film producer, who appeared in several notable films such as "The Green Slime" and "The Kentuckian."

The name Holt, while not as common as some other names, has a rich history spanning centuries and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including authors, athletes, businessmen, and actors.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Holt was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Holt, please contact us.

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