indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from given name & from location)
Usage Dutch, German, Upper German, English
Other Forms FormsHalder, Holder, Hilder, Elder
Meaning & History
1. Dutch and German: from a Germanic personal name Halidher, composed of the elements haliò “hero” + hari, heri “army”, or from another personal name, Hildher, composed of the elements hild “strife”, “battle” + the same second element. 2. Dutch and North German: topographic name for someone living on a slope, from Middle Dutch helldinge “slanting surface”. Compare Halder. 3. English: from an agent derivative of Old English healdan “to hold”, hence a name denoting an occupier or tenant. Compare Holder. 4. English: variant of Hilder. 5. English: possibly a variant of Elder, with the addition of an inorganic initial H. Given names: Dutch 6%. Reinard, Ceciel, Dirk, Jaap.