Surname Hollingshed - Meaning and Origin
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Hollingshed: What does the surname Hollingshed mean?
The surname Hollingshed is an English patronymic last name derived from the personal name “Holling”, which is derived from the Old Norse word “hola” meaning “hood” or “helmet”. As a result, the surname Hollingshed is thought to have originally been an occupational surname, referring to someone who conducted the task of manipulating iron or metal and shaping it into helmets or hoods for one’s desired purpose.
The surname is not particularly common, and very few records exist that discuss the Hollingshed surname. Nevertheless, when looking to trace back the history of this family name, one finds that it first appears to have originated in Yorkshire, England. From there, it was believed to have spread throughout the Northern British Isles, including Cumbria, Lancashire and Scotland.
Today, people with the surname Hollingshed generally trace their family trees back to these regions. Furthermore, many of these people also share the same coat of arms, further connecting them to the heritage and genealogy of this unique surname.
The coat of arms of the Hollingshed family is described as “Per chevron or and gules a chevron between three lion’s heads erased counterchanged.” This coat of arms is basically a replica of the arms of the Hollingshed family in Yorkshire, England.
Ultimately, the last name “Hollingshed” is an interesting and storied last name, with a notable origin stemming from the British Isles. The family coat of arms provides an additional symbol to represent the lineage of this unique surname, connecting present-day Hollingsheds to their ancestors and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisHollingshed: Where does the name Hollingshed come from?
The Hollingshed surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today. The name originated from a village in Northumberland, on the border with Scotland, and was referenced in William Harrison's 1577 book "The Description of England". It likely derived from the Old English heelan ("slope") and scedde ("division") or the Old English "hill + sheltered place".
The name has since spread across Northumberland and into areas of Scotland, reaching as far as Newcastle. It has also been found in East Anglia, the East Midlands and Wales (where it is recorded as Hollenshed).
The name also appears to have been exported around the world, with records of Hollingsheds appearing in the United States, Australia and Canada. There is also evidence of the name in Ireland and Scandinavia.
Some variants of the name, such as Hollinshed and Hollenshed, have become common across some countries, while other variants (such as Hallingshed, Hillingshed and Hollenshead) have been found in more isolated areas.
Variations of the surname Hollingshed
The surname 'Hollingshed' is of Old English origin. It is derived from the two words 'holen' and 'scaed', which translates to mean 'the sheltered hollow'. Variations of this surname include Hollinghead, Hollenshed, Holingshead, and Hollinshead. Another variant of this name is Hollithead, which was named after an area of land in the parish of Brightstone, Hampshire.
In Ireland, this surname is sometimes found spelled Hollingseed. It is also sometimes recorded as Hollinsheid, Hollensheid, Hallingshead, or Hollingsword. Colloquial variations for this surname include Holinshed, Hollingshaw, and Hollingsworth.
Separate from these surnames, there are also some versions of the name that are derived from other languages, such as German. Alternate spellings or derivations that have been recorded include Hollingsed, Hollingsert, Hollinshedt, Hollinssed, and Hollingsseed.
In the United States, the most common spelling of this surname is Hollingshead. It can also be found spelled Hollenshed, Hollinshead, or Hollensheid. Patronymic surnames that include Hollingshed as an element are found as H Wellshead, Hollinshider, and Hollinshawk.
Famous people with the name Hollingshed
- David Hollingshed: Former professional basketball player who played for multiple teams in the NBA, ACB, and CBA
- Van Hollingshed: American football coach and former player
- Montel Hollingshed: Professional basketball player in the NBA G League
- Loretta Hollingshed: American judge and former politician
- Jr. Hollingshed: Professional basketball player in the NCAA
- Reggie Hollingshed: Former professional football player
- Willie Hollingshed: American professional wrestler
- Barbara Hollingshed: American poet and writer
- Tyler Hollingshed: Former professional hockey player
- Cortez Hollingshed: American football player in the NFL