All about the name

Harris

Male

« Harris is an English name derived from Old German Heribert or Haribert, meaning "bright" or "famous army". It was introduced to England by Normans after the 1066 conquest and has been used in Britain for centuries. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Harris is a name of English origin, derived from the Old German given name Heribert or Haribert. The name means "bright" or "famous army." It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name Harris has a long history of usage in Britain and was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages. Some notable figures with the name Harris include Sir Harry Harris, a 17th-century English pirate, and Harris Tweed, a famous brand of Scottish wool fabric named after the island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Today, Harris is still used as both a first name and a surname throughout the English-speaking world. Despite its historical usage, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names such as John or William. However, it has gained some popularity recently, particularly among parents seeking unique yet traditional names for their children. In terms of pronunciation, Harris is typically pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by two syllables: "HAR-is." The name can also be spelled without the final "s," although this spelling is less common. Overall, Harris is an interesting and historic name with a strong meaning and an appealing sound.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Harris since 1880

Total births
16,172
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
245 births
in 2023
177
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+27%
vs previous 5 years