Show ContentsHollighan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Hollighan surname date back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from an early member of the family who was 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 Hollighan family

The surname Hollighan 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 Hollighan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hollighan 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 Hollighan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hollighan Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Hollighan has been spelled many different ways, including Hollyman, Holyman, Holleyman, Holeyman, Holliman, Holiman and many more.

Early Notables of the Hollighan 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 Hollighan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hollighan family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Hollighans to arrive in North America: Christopher Holliman, who sailed to Virginia in 1653; William Hollyman to Virginia in 1656; John Holliman to Virginia in 1701; and Margret Holleman to Alabama in 1851..



  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)


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