Holding steady.
Popularity of Holmes since 1880
Babies named Holmes per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Holmes's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 135 |
| 1920s | 167 |
| 1930s | 103 |
| 1940s | 76 |
| 1950s | 49 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 14 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Holmes is a rare given name that originated as an English surname, with its peak usage occurring in 1903, when it was most often recorded for boys. The name's trajectory has been stable and infrequent; it has never entered the top 1000 rankings in the United States. Despite its low statistical profile, Holmes carries strong literary associations through the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, whose stories have kept the name in public awareness. As a first name, it evokes an old-fashioned, intellectual charm and remains an unconventional choice for modern parents seeking a distinctive name with surname roots.
Holmes is an English surname derived from the Old English word 'holm,' meaning 'holly' or 'islet,' combined with the genitive 'es.' It originally referred to someone who lived near a holly tree or on a piece of land surrounded by marsh or water. The name became established as a given name in the 19th century, partly influenced by the fame of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
Sibling names for Holmes
Names that share Holmes's style, for a brother or sister.
