The name Holland is of Dutch origin and means "from the land of the woods". It is derived from the Old Norse word "holti" meaning hollow or low-lying land, combined with the suffix "-land", which means land or country. The name Holland originally referred to a region in the Netherlands that was known for its extensive woodlands.
The history of the name Holland dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a surname given to people who originated from this region in the Netherlands. Over time, the name Holland has become popular as both a first and last name throughout the world.
In terms of popularity, Holland is not one of the most common names, but it has gained some recognition due to its association with famous people such as the American actress Emma Stone whose real name is Emily Jean "Emma" Stone, and the British musician Paul Weller who was born in Holland Park, London.
Despite its relatively low popularity compared to other names, Holland has a unique and distinctive sound that sets it apart. Its Dutch origins also give it an international appeal, making it a suitable choice for parents looking for a name with a global connection.
The name Holland has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early years of record-keeping, from 1918 to 1962, there were fewer than 5 births per year with this name each year. However, starting in 1964, we begin to see a gradual increase in popularity, with the number of births rising from 8 to 19 between 1964 and 1979.
The true surge in popularity for the name Holland occurred in the late 1980s. In 1982, there were only 57 babies named Holland, but by 1989, that number had more than tripled to 153 births. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, with over 100 babies being named Holland each year from 1998 onwards.
In recent years, the name Holland has reached unprecedented levels of popularity. In 2014, there were a total of 304 births with this name, and that number has continued to climb since then. By 2022, there were over 500 babies named Holland in the United States alone.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate a clear trend towards increased popularity for the name Holland among parents in the United States. This could be due to a variety of factors such as cultural influences, trends within naming patterns, or even personal preferences among parents themselves. Regardless of the reasons behind this shift in popularity, it is evident that the name Holland has become an increasingly common choice among American parents over the past several decades.