Doc Holliday
Gunslinger, dentist, O.K. Corral gunfight
John Henry 'Doc' Holliday (August 14, 1851 – November 8, 1887) was a legendary gunslinger, dentist, and outlaw of the American Old West. Born in Georgia and trained as a dentist, Holliday moved to the frontier due to tuberculosis, seeking the drier climate. He became famous for his deadly accuracy with firearms and his involvement in the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona, where he fought alongside Wyatt Earp against the Clanton gang. Despite his violent reputation, Holliday was educated, cultured, and skilled in dentistry—a rare combination that added to his mystique. His life was marked by the tension between his refined education and the brutal frontier violence he encountered. Holliday died of tuberculosis at age 36 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. His legend has endured through countless books, films, and television shows, making him one of the most romanticized figures of the American West.
Historical Figure
American
1851
1887
Thinking about the name
Doc
American origin
“An Americanism rooted in the informal shortening of 'doctor,' Doc carries Old West frontier charisma and medical authority wrapped in casual friendliness. Parents choosing this name typically embrace its Americana associations—think Doc Holliday or the Back to the Future scientist—seeking something genuinely distinctive.”