Holmes

“From the river islands.”

England origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13050US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

593All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Holmes

HOHLMZ

/ˈhoʊlmz/ · stress on HOHLMZ · 1 syllable

“From the river islands.”

England origin · Boy name

What does Holmes mean and where does it come from?

Holmes is derived from an Old English surname originally given to someone living on an island in a river or marshland. The name gained prominence through the character Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 19th century, which contributed to its popularity. The name is often

Cultural significance

Holmes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the river islands..

Peak popularity

Reached #873 in 1880 — currently #13050 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Holmes?

Holmes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Holmes Grace

How popular is Holmes right now?

Falling — down 224 spots — currently #13050 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2022#13050 · Top 9.6%

1880

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1970

1980

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#13050	5	▼ down 224
2021	#12826	5	▼ down 6528
1980	#6298	5	▼ down 1537
1970	#4761	5	▼ down 1777 · -37% births
1955	#2984	8	▼ down 187
1950	#2797	8	▼ down 383 · -11% births
1945	#2414	9	▼ down 69 · -10% births
1940	#2345	10	▲ up 397 · +25% births
1935	#2742	8	▲ up 71 · -11% births
1930	#2813	9	▼ down 1223 · -61% births
1925	#1590	23	▲ up 168 · +15% births
1920	#1758	20	▼ down 379 · -17% births
1915	#1379	24	▼ down 506 · +300% births
1880	#873	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Holmes

Best Year1915Rank #1379

Peak Count24

Average Rank#4443

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202213 years

The story of Holmes

Holmes has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 593 total births recorded, Holmes remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #873 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13050 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Holmes in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Holmes by decade

Holmes peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	11
1900s	18
1910s	135
1920s ★	167
1930s	103
1940s	76
1950s	48
1960s	6
1970s	10
1980s	5
2010s	14

💎Holmes has only 593 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Holmes?

Common

HolHoOlmes

What names sound and feel like Holmes?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Holmes also consider these

Hommes

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Holmer

Scandinavian countries · island in the

Holmen

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Holman

England · Dweller by the

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hodges

English · son of Hodge;

Common questions about the name Holmes

What does the name Holmes mean?

Holmes means "From the river islands." — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Holmes?

Holmes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Holmes?

Holmes originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Holmes?

Holmes is a one-syllable name pronounced HH OW1 L M Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Holmes sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Holmes flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Holmes ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.