Hollywood etymology

Etymology

The word "Hollywood" is believed to have originated from two potential sources:

• "Holy Wood" Theory: According to legend, in 1886, real estate developer H.J. Whitley named the area "Hollywood" after a vacation home he built in the area that reminded him of the holly trees in his native Ohio.
• "Hollywoodland" Theory: In 1903, real estate developer Harvey Henderson Wilcox subdivided and plotted the area. He hired a sign-writing company to erect a sign on the hillside facing Los Angeles that read "Hollywoodland" to promote his new housing development.

Meaning

The word "Hollywood" has come to represent:

• The film industry in Los Angeles, California: Hollywood is the epicenter of the global film industry, known for its iconic studios, actors, and movie productions.
• A glamorous and alluring lifestyle: Hollywood is associated with red carpets, celebrities, and wealth, evoking images of fame, success, and luxury.
• A symbol of American pop culture: Hollywood has had a profound impact on popular culture worldwide, shaping genres, trends, and icons in movies, music, and television.

Origin

The area that became Hollywood was originally a rural farming community and citrus grove. In 1911, a few years after the "Hollywoodland" sign was erected, Nestor Motion Picture Company built the first major movie studio in the area. This marked the beginning of Hollywood's rise as the film industry's capital.

Over the years, Hollywood grew rapidly, attracting filmmakers, actors, and moviegoers from around the world. The "land" suffix of the original sign was eventually dropped, solidifying the name "Hollywood" as a global symbol of the film industry and American entertainment.

Hollywood relate terms

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• Hollywood

  Etymology The word Hollywood is believed to have originated from two potential sources

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