HOME > Origin of Harris Name
Introduction
The Harris surname is one of the most common in the English-speaking world, with an estimated 1.5 million people bearing the name. Like many surnames, it has a rich history that dates back to medieval England. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the Harris name, as well as its evolution over time.
Etymology of the Harris Name
The Harris surname is derived from the given name Harry, which is a medieval form of the name Henry. The name Henry is of Germanic origin and means 'ruler of the household.' The name Harry was popularized in England by the Norman Conquest of 1066, when it was introduced by the Normans as a form of the name Henri. Over time, the name Harry became a popular given name in its own right, and many surnames were derived from it, including Harris.
Geographical Distribution of the Harris Name
Today, the Harris surname is most commonly found in the United States, where it is the 25th most common surname. It is also common in England, where it is the 23rd most common surname. Other countries with a significant number of people bearing the Harris name include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous People with the Harris Name
Over the years, many famous people have borne the Harris surname. Some of the most notable include:
1. Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is an American politician and lawyer who is currently serving as the Vice President of the United States. She was born in Oakland, California, in 1964, and her father was a Jamaican immigrant named Donald Harris. Kamala Harris is the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian American to hold the office of Vice President.
2. Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, comedian, and magician who is best known for his roles in the television series Doogie Howser, M.D. and How I Met Your Mother. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1973, and his parents were both lawyers named Ron and Sheila Harris.
3. Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ, record producer, and singer who is known for his electronic dance music. He was born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1984, and his real name is Adam Richard Wiles. Harris has won numerous awards for his music, including several Grammy Awards.
4. Julie Harris
Julie Harris was an American actress who was known for her roles in stage productions and films. She was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1925, and she began her acting career in the 1940s. Harris won five Tony Awards for her work on Broadway, and she was also nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film The Member of the Wedding.
5. Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is known for her work in country music. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947, and she began her music career in the 1970s. Harris has won numerous awards for her music, including 14 Grammy Awards.
Evolution of the Harris Name
Like many surnames, the Harris name has evolved over time. In medieval England, surnames were not fixed, and people often changed their surnames to reflect their occupation, location, or other factors. As a result, there are many variations of the Harris name, including Harrison, Harryson, Harries, and Harrieson.
Coat of Arms
The Harris family has a coat of arms that dates back to the 16th century. The coat of arms features a red shield with three gold leopards' heads, as well as a gold lion rampant on a blue field. The crest of the coat of arms is a gold griffin's head, and the motto is 'Sola Virtus Invicta,' which means 'Only Virtue is Invincible.'
Conclusion
The Harris surname has a rich history that dates back to medieval England. It is derived from the given name Harry, which was a popular name in England after the Norman Conquest. Today, the Harris name is one of the most common in the English-speaking world, and it has evolved over time to include many variations. Whether you are a Harris by birth or by marriage, you are part of a proud and storied family history.
