Holliday

/ˈhɑlədeɪ/ noun

Definition

An alternative spelling of 'holiday' or a surname, most famously associated with American gambler and gunfighter Doc Holliday.

Etymology

Variant spelling of holiday, from Old English haligdæg meaning 'holy day.' As a surname, it likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked at or was born on holy days, or possibly someone with a cheerful disposition.

Kelly Says

The Holliday spelling creates an intriguing linguistic coincidence - Doc Holliday, the legendary gunfighter, carried a name that literally meant 'holy day' while living a decidedly unholy lifestyle of gambling and violence. This ironic juxtaposition between name and reputation makes him one of history's most memorably misnamed characters.

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