All about the name

Norris

Female

« The name Norris is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Hrori, which means 'fame' and 'army'. »

#11240 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Norris is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Hrori, which is composed of the elements hroth 'fame' and hari 'army'. The name was brought to England by the Vikings during their invasions and settlements in the British Isles. The name Norris has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. One of the earliest records of the name appears in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Walter filius Noris is listed in Cambridgeshire, England. Throughout history, the name has remained relatively rare but can be found in various parts of the world. The most well-known figure with the surname Norris is Sir John Norris, an Irish soldier and politician who served as Governor of County Cork during the 16th century. He was known for his military prowess and played a significant role in the English conquest of Ireland. In literature, the name Norris appears in Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," where Mr. Noah Claypole refers to himself as "Norris, that's my name." Today, Norris is still used as both a given name and a surname, with its usage varying by region. It remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for an uncommon but historically significant name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Norris since 1880

Total births
523
Total since 1880
Peak year
1933
22 births
in 1985
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years