Harris
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Harris
Harris, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of English origin.
Meaning of Harris
Son of harry
Harris is a masculine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name 'Harrison', which is a combination of the Old English elements 'hara' (hare, or army) and 'sig' (victory). It is also thought to be an Anglicized form of the Irish names 'O'hAirt' or 'O'hEarchair' (both meaning 'descendant of the noble one').
| Meaning | Son of harry |
| Origin | English |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity (US) | #1,000 in 2021 Steady |
| Rarity (US) | Rare (Top 1000) |
| Era | Vintage (1900s) |
Background & History of The Name Harris
The name 'Harris' is a surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the medieval given name 'Harry', which is a diminutive form of 'Henry'. The name 'Henry' itself comes from the Germanic elements 'haim', meaning "home", and 'ric', meaning "ruler" or "king". Therefore, the name 'Harris' can be interpreted to mean "ruler of the home" or "king at home".
The Harris surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including 'Harrys', 'Heriz', and 'Harys'. It is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The name is often associated with individuals of English and Scottish ancestry.
Many notable individuals bear the name 'Harris'. For instance, Kamala Harris, born in 1964, is an American politician and lawyer who served as the Vice President of the United States from 2021. Additionally, Marvin Harris was a prominent American anthropologist known for his works on cultural materialism. Jack Harris, on the other hand, is a Canadian radio broadcaster and journalist.
In addition to its use as a surname, 'Harris' is also utilized as a given name. It gained popularity as a given name during the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Overall, the name 'Harris' holds a rich history and has become a widely recognized surname and given name across the English-speaking world. Its associations with rulers and kings evoke a sense of leadership and authority, while its prevalence suggests a widespread heritage among those who bear the name.
Popularity Over Time
US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Harris over the years.
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Nicknames
Common nicknames and short forms for Harris.
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