Origin & Meaning of the Holmes Surname
What does the last name Holmes mean?
The surname Holmes carries the meaning "Son of Holmes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 156,780 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Holmes ranks as the #171 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Holmes come from?
The Holmes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Holmes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Holmes trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Holmes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Holmes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #171 |
| US Count (2010) | 156,780 |
| Per 100K People | 53.15 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Holmes
According to the US Census, the Holmes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 156,780 Americans with the Holmes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 56.79% |
| Black | 37.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Holmes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Holmes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Holmes surname increased by 6,614 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Holmes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holmes
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