Surname Holding - Meaning and Origin
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Holding: What does the surname Holding mean?
The surname Holding is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "holr" meaning "hollow" and the suffix "-ingas" which suggests "family or followers." Therefore, it is believed to be habitational, for those who lived near a hollow or a depression in the landscape. This surname was first found in Lancashire, England in the suburbs of Holden, which history suggests was held by Uctred as mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The surname Holding could have also derived from the Middle English or Old English personal name "Holding," meaning "kind" or "friendly." Variations of the name include Holden, Houlden, Holdin, and more. It is also one of few names that was recorded in the Domesday Book, which signifies its long history and cultural prominence.
Order DNA origin analysisHolding: Where does the name Holding come from?
The surname Holding originated in the United Kingdom and developed from Old English pre 7th Century "heald", meaning "sloping land". It was a topographical name given to someone who lived on sloping land, or from various places named with this word in northern England. The surname is documented in Lancashire in the late 16th Century. Variations of the name include Holding, Houlding, Holden, Houldin, and Holdin.
Given its British roots, the surname Holding is most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in the North West of England. It can also be found in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other Anglophone countries due to historical emigration. Modern technologies and records suggest there are approximately 5,000 people with the last name Holding in the world, with the majority residing in the UK, followed by the United States. It's interesting to note that it is relatively uncommon, ranking as the 168,484th most common surname in the world.
Variations of the surname Holding
The surname Holding may have several different variants and spellings, including Holdin, Holding, Houlding, and Holdinge. In some cases, it may be spelled as Holdinga or Holdynge. These variations can be due to regional dialect differences, handwriting interpretation, and phonetic spellings over centuries.
Moreover, Holdin may also appear as a patronymic surname, i.e., derived from the name of one's father or a paternal ancestor. For instance, it may come as Holdinson, meaning "son of Holding."
More complex variations can form when the name is combined with other words or prefixes. For example, Overholding or Netherholding may be seen, signifying the geographical locations 'over' or 'below' the Holding estate.
The surname Holding may have originally evolved from the Old Norse personal name Holda, which means 'noble' or 'honorable'. Hence, names derived from Holda, such as Holden or Holdeman, are of the same origin.
It's worth noting that changes and variations of surnames occurred even within families across time, reflecting influences of local dialect and literacy levels; thus multiple variants can often be traced to a common ancestral origin.
Famous people with the name Holding
- Warren Buffett: Billionaire Businessman and Investor
- Bernie Holding: former professional rugby league footballer
- David Holding: former Judge in the English High Court
- Rupert Holding: British artist
- Peter Holding: English cricketer
- Kate Holding: American politician from North Carolina
- Kenneth Holding: former Conservative Party Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom
- Brady Holding: American Major League Baseball pitcher
- Warren Holding II: American banker
- Chris Holding: Australian rules footballer