Harris

Meaning & origin

Harris is an English patronymic surname that has been used as a given name since the 19th century. It first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1880, the first year of data. The name reached its peak popularity in 1889, ranking highest in that era. In recent years, however, it has been declining in use, a trend that has continued since 2020. Despite its fall from the top ranks, Harris remains most common in southern states including Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The name carries a strong surname-as-first-name tradition, similar to Harrison, and appeals to families seeking a name with English heritage and a connection to the popular root name Harry.

Harris is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Harry,' where Harry is a medieval form of Henry. It emerged as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it was used to honor family surnames. The name has also been linked to the Old English word 'here' (army), though this is less certain.