Surname Holloway - Meaning and Origin

Discovering my Holloway Heritage: A Complex, Fascinating Genetic Journey with iGENEA

Discovering the depths of my familial roots through a DNA analysis with iGENEA was a thrilling journey into the past. The test shed light on the origins, intriguing history, and migration patterns of my family name, Holloway, tracing it all the way back to the Scandinavian Vikings era.

D. Holloway

Holloway: What does the surname Holloway mean?

The surname Holloway is of English origin and is derived from a geographical feature. It combines the Old English elements "hol" which means "hollow", and "weg" which means "way" or "path". Thus, the surname could signify a person who lived near or at a "hollow way" or "sunken road". These "hollow ways" were notably common in England at one point, formed as a result of constant traffic eroding the landscape over time. They are essentially paths or roads that run below the level of the surrounding landscape, usually due to erosion or excavation. The name was often used for people who lived near such a path. Therefore, like many surnames, Holloway originally arose as a geographical or locational surname, highlighting a significant local feature of a person's residence.

Holloway: Where does the name Holloway come from?

The surname Holloway originates from England. It evolved from the Old English terms "hol" and "weg," which means 'hollow' and 'way' respectively, referring to someone who lived by a sunken road. These 'hollow-ways' were main roads carved deep into the earth due to countless years of traffic.

With migration and spread of families, the surname Holloway has now spread beyond England. Today, it is commonly found in the United States. According to various census data, Holloway is especially prevalent in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, it is especially common in the states of Georgia, Texas, and Alabama. Despite its spread, it remains true to its English roots and is still relatively common in England, particularly in areas around the south and the Midlands.

Variations of the surname Holloway

The surname Holloway has various other spellings and variations that include Holloway, Hollway, Holoway, Halloway, Hallaway, Haloway, Holaway and Holloay. With a clear English origin, it is a topographic name for a person who lived in or near a hollow way. This may refer to a road cut through a hill, a sunken path, or simply to a hollow.

The Holloway family name has also been Anglicized from similar sounding foreign surnames. For instance, the Irish name Ó hUllacháin may morph into the English Holloway. This Anglicization process can sometimes lead to changes in spelling or pronunciation, but the name typically keeps its original meaning.

Some of the common variations of Holloway come in the form of patronymic surnames where -son (Hollowayson), -s (Holloways) or Mc/Mac (McHolloway, MacHolloway) is added to the name.

There are also several related surnames through marriage or other familial connections such as Hollow, Hollows, Hollowed, Hollowman, and Holleman. These surnames share similar etymologies and in some cases might have evolved from Holloway or vice versa.

Famous people with the name Holloway

• Chris Holloway: former professional American football player who played cornerback in the National Football League
• Robert Holloway: British actor who has appeared in the West End, film, television and theatre
• Jack Holloway: former English footballer who made 400 appearances in the Football League
• Theresa Holloway: English actress best known for her role as Cherry Walker on the TV series Coronation Street
• Travis Holloway: American professional mixed martial artist who has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Lance Holloway: former American college football player who played wide receiver for the Vanderbilt Commodores
• Derek Holloway: South African cricketer who represented his country at the 1996 Cricket World Cup
• Caroline Holloway: British sculptor who specializes in public art commissions
• David Holloway: Australian politician who has held various portfolios, including Health Minister and Minister for the Environment
• Sophie Holloway: English singer-songwriter whose single "Walk of Life" reached the UK Top 40 in 2019

Other surnames

HollowHollowbachHollowbackHollowbechHollowbeck