Show ContentsHollyoke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Hollyoke family

The surname Hollyoke was first found in Leicestershire at Holy-Oakes, a liberty, in the parish of DryStoke, union of Uppingham, hundred of Gartree. Historically, a very small liberty with only a few inhabitants, but nevertheless, it was a significant home to a number of important people which we shall explore.

The first record of the family was Gerard de Haliach, who was found here in the Pipe Rolls of 1188. Later in Worcester, Peter de la Holyok was registered in 1300. 1

Early History of the Hollyoke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hollyoke research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1188, 1300, 1455, 1487, 1567, 1582, 1604, 1616, 1625, 1632, 1636, 1639, 1642, 1653, 1657, 1675 and 1731 are included under the topic Early Hollyoke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hollyoke Spelling Variations

Hollyoke 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: Hollyoke, Holyoke, Hollyoak, Hollioake, Hollyoak, Holioke, Hollioke, Hallioke, Hallyoke, Ollioke, Olyoke, Hollioak, Holyoak, Holyoake, Hollyhock, Hollyock and many more.

Early Notables of the Hollyoke family

Distinguished members of the family include Francis Holyoake (1567-1653), a British lexicographer, born at Nether Whitacre, Warwickshire. "About 1582 he studied as a commoner at Queen's College, Oxford, though it does not appear that he took a degree. Afterwards he taught a school, first at Oxford, and then in Warwickshire. In February 1604 he was instituted to the rectory of Southam, Warwickshire. In 1625 he was elected a member of convocation. In 1642 he was forced from his house by the parliamentarians, his wife was so ill-used as to hasten her death, his servant was killed, and his estate...
Another 99 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hollyoke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Hollyoke migration to the United States +

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 Hollyokes to arrive on North American shores:

Hollyoke Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • John Hollyoke, who arrived in Boston in 1767
  • John Hollyoke, who arrived in Virginia in 1767


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook