Show ContentsHolderniss History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Holderniss comes from the family having resided in the Holderness district in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is now found in the county of Humberside. The place-name is derived from the Old Scandinavian words holdr, a landholding held by a member of the yeomanry, and nes, a promontory or headland.

Early Origins of the Holderniss family

The surname Holderniss was first found in East Riding of Yorkshire at Skipsea. "The manor is one of those which have continued members of the seigniory of Holderness to the present day. In the 12th of Edward III., the king granted a market to the place, to be held on Thursday in every week, and two fairs to be held annually, one on All Saints' day, and the other on the day of the translation of St. Thomas the Martyr." 1

Early History of the Holderniss family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Holderniss research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Holderniss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Holderniss Spelling Variations

Holderniss has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Holderness, Holdernesse, Houlderness and others.

Early Notables of the Holderniss family

More information is included under the topic Early Holderniss Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Holderniss family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Holdernisss to arrive on North American shores: Henry Holdernesse arrived in Philadelphia in 1807; Edward and William Holderness settled in Philadelphia in 1820.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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