All about the name

Morrison

Male

« Morrison is a Scottish surname derived from Old French "more" meaning "big" or "large" and Gaelic "sonn" meaning "son," translating to "big son." It originally served as a nickname for the eldest son in a family, with the first recorded instance dating back to the 13th century. Today, Morrison is also used as a given name for both boys and girls. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Morrison is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old French word "more" meaning "big" or "large," and the Gaelic word "sonn" meaning "son." Therefore, Morrison literally translates to "big son." The name was originally given as a nickname to someone who was the eldest son in his family. The surname has been widespread in Scotland since the Middle Ages and is particularly common in the southwestern region of the country. The first recorded instance of the surname Morrison is believed to be in the 13th century, when Adam de Morresoun was listed as living in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged for the name, including Morrisoun, Morrisone, and Morisson. Today, Morrison is not only a popular Scottish surname but also a given name used by both boys and girls. It has been used as a first name since at least the 19th century, with some notable bearers of the name including American musician Jim Morrison, best known as the lead singer of The Doors, and British-American actor James Morrison. In summary, Morrison is a Scottish surname that originated as a nickname given to the eldest son in a family. Its literal translation is "big son," reflecting its Old French and Gaelic roots. While it has traditionally been used as a surname, Morrison has also been employed as a given name for both boys and girls since at least the 19th century.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Morrison since 1880

Total births
1,785
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
81 births
in 2023
50
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+12%
vs previous 5 years