Holmes: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: hohmz
Origin: England
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: English
Meaning: Holmes means "from the river islands" or "a small island in a river or estuary."

The name Holmes, traditionally a masculine name, has its origins rooted in Old English. Derived from a geographical term, it originally described someone who lived near a small island or a piece of flat land by a river. The name carries connotations of tranquility and connection to nature. In contemporary culture, the name Holmes is famously associated with the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This association imbues the name with qualities of intelligence, keen observation, and analytical prowess. Over the past several decades, the name Holmes has been carried by individuals in various fields, including entertainment and sports, contributing to its recognition and appeal. While not as widely used as some other names, Holmes maintains a presence in popular culture, often evoking a sense of tradition and intellectual depth.

Holmes Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Holmes is currently #35765 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Holmes is currently #15337 on Kiindred Boy Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

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