Some of the most interesting names come from original sources which are often unacceptable to the sensibilities of the Twentieth Century, despite its claim to have thrown off Victorian attitudes. In this case the name derives from the Old German (and Anglo-Saxon) "hure" and is job descriptive for the keeper of a Brothel! In the pre Reformation times, such an occupation being legally licensed, the on set of Puritanism putting an official end to such semi-social activities. The modern spellings of the name include Hollyet and Hullyer, whilst Hollister is the (literally) female form of the name. James Hollestar is recorded as being baptised in London on June 6th 1661. One Edward Hollister married Anne Kickley on July 5th 1609, at St. Gregory by St. Paul, London, and Aelce Hollister married Thomas Redam on October 29th 1624, at St. Dunstan, Stepney. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert le Holyere, which was dated 1309, in the Pipe Rolls of Bedford, during the reign of King Edward 11, known as "Edward of Caernafon", 1307 - 1328. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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