Show ContentsHoliham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Holiham has a history dating as far back as the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who was referred to as the Holy-man. 1 A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favoured style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Holiham family

The surname Holiham was first found in Berkshire where Roger Haliman was listed in the Feet of Fines for 1212. Years later in Lincolnshire, William Holyman was found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1276, as was Richard Hollyman. 2

Early History of the Holiham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Holiham research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1379, 1495, 1512, 1514, 1518, 1526 and 1558 are included under the topic Early Holiham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Holiham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Holiham have been found, including Hollyman, Holyman, Holleyman, Holeyman, Holliman, Holiman and many more.

Early Notables of the Holiham family

Distinguished members of the family include John Holyman (1495-1558), was Bishop of Bristol, was a native of Coddington, near Haddenham in Buckinghamshire. He was educated at Winchester and New College, Oxford, and in...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Holiham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Holiham migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Holiham Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • James Holiham, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Constant" in 1849 3


  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The CONSTANT 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Constant.htm


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