What does Holt mean and where does it come from?
Holt is derived from Old English 'holt' meaning a small wood or grove. The name has historical roots in England, where it was initially used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name. The name evokes a sense of nature and has been used by numerous notable figures, including Holt McCallany
Cultural significance
Holt has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the woods or grove.
Peak popularity
Reached #1404 in 1906 — currently #1924 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Holt?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Holt?
Holt works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Holt Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Holt John
One syllable · timeless choice
Holt Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Holt Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Holt Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Holt Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Holt right now?
Declining — down 15 spots — currently #1924 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1924 | 81 | ▼ down 15 · -2% births |
| 2024 | #1909 | 83 | ▼ down 25 · -1% births |
| 2023 | #1884 | 84 | ▲ up 11 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #1895 | 83 | ▲ up 74 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1969 | 76 | ▼ down 3 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #1966 | 72 | ▲ up 120 · +7% births |
| 2015 | #2086 | 67 | ▲ up 319 · +29% births |
| 2010 | #2405 | 52 | ▲ up 1059 · +86% births |
| 2005 | #3464 | 28 | ▲ up 614 · +47% births |
| 2000 | #4078 | 19 | ▲ up 1086 · +73% births |
| 1995 | #5164 | 11 | ▲ up 1324 · +57% births |
| 1990 | #6488 | 7 | ▼ down 2091 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #4397 | 9 | ▲ up 1188 · +80% births |
| 1975 | #5585 | 5 | ▼ down 1547 |
| 1965 | #4038 | 5 | — |
The story of Holt
Holt entered American naming records in 1906 and has been in use for over 118 years. With 1,516 total births recorded, Holt remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3170 in 1915 to #1884 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Holt in 1906:
Holt by decade
Holt peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 57 | |
| 1920s | 45 | |
| 1930s | 34 | |
| 1940s | 28 | |
| 1950s | 28 | |
| 1960s | 40 | |
| 1970s | 26 | |
| 1980s | 80 | |
| 1990s | 164 | |
| 2000s | 306 | |
| 2010s ★ | 631 | |
| 2020s | 236 | |
💎With 1,516 total births, Holt is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Holt?
What names sound and feel like Holt?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Holt also consider these
Common questions about the name Holt
What does the name Holt mean?
Holt means "From the woods or grove" — a name rooted in English 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 Holt?
Holt 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 Holt?
Holt originates from English tradition. English 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 Holt?
Holt is a one-syllable name pronounced HOHLT. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Holt sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Holt flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Holt ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.