Holt

Meaning & origin

Holt is a name of English origin meaning 'wood' or 'grove', derived from the Old English 'holt'. It began as a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a first name. The name was first recorded as a given name in the U.S. in 1906, but remained rare for much of the 20th century. Its modern revival began around 1985, and it has been steadily rising in popularity since. As of 2025, Holt ranks 1919th nationally, with a 1-in-21,087 frequency among newborn boys. It reached its peak rank in 2023, suggesting continued growth. Geographically, Holt has been most popular in Mississippi, Alabama, and Ohio. The name's short, strong sound and naturalistic meaning appeal to parents seeking a surname-style given name reminiscent of other nature-surnames like Reed or Grant. Holt has no established nicknames or spelling variants, giving it a straightforward identity. Its etymology and history are well-attested in surname studies and the Oxford Dictionary of First Names.

Holt derives from the Old English word 'holt', meaning a wood or thicket. It was used as a topographic surname for someone who lived near such a feature, and later evolved into a given name. The surname is recorded in England from the 12th century, and the name saw renewed use as a first name in the late 20th century.