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Last Name Morris Origin

Introduction

The last name Morris is a popular surname that has a rich history and interesting origin. It is believed to have originated from the Old French name Maurice, which was derived from the Latin name Mauritius. The name was commonly given to people who came from the region of Moray in Scotland, or from the Welsh word 'mawr' which means 'great' or 'big'. Today, the Morris surname is found all over the world, and has been adopted by many notable individuals in various fields.

Meaning and History

The Morris surname has a few different meanings and origins. As mentioned, it is believed to have originated from the Old French name Maurice, which means 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish'. It was a popular name in medieval times, and was often given to people who had dark skin or hair. Another origin of the Morris surname is from the region of Moray in Scotland. People who came from this region were often given the name Morris or Morrison. Finally, the name may also have originated from the Welsh word 'mawr', which means 'great' or 'big'. This would have been given to people who were large or powerful.

Genealogy

The Morris surname has a rich genealogy, and many people have traced their ancestry back to their Morris roots. There are many resources available for those who are interested in learning more about their Morris genealogy, including online databases, genealogy societies, and historical records. Some notable individuals who bear the Morris surname include former US Vice President Al Gore, musician Van Morrison, and actor Robert Morris.

Notable Individuals

The Morris surname has been adopted by many notable individuals in various fields. Some of these individuals include:

Al Gore

Al Gore is a former US Vice President and environmental activist. He was born Albert Arnold Gore Jr., but his family has roots in the Morris surname. His great-grandfather was a wealthy businessman named William Henry Gore, who changed his name to Morris after his wife's family. Al Gore has spoken publicly about his Morris ancestry, and has even visited the Morris family home in Wales.

Van Morrison

Van Morrison is a musician and songwriter who has been active since the 1960s. He was born George Ivan Morrison, but adopted the Morris surname early in his career. Morrison has released many popular albums over the years, and is known for his unique blend of rock, blues, and soul music.

Robert Morris

Robert Morris was an actor who appeared in many films and television shows throughout his career. He was born in 1927 in the Bronx, New York, and adopted the Morris surname as his stage name. Morris appeared in many popular films, including 'The Hustler' and 'Goodfellas'. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 77.

Conclusion

The Morris surname has a rich history and interesting origin. It has been adopted by many notable individuals in various fields, and has a strong genealogy that many people have traced back to their Morris roots. Whether you are a Morris by birth or simply interested in the history of surnames, the Morris name is one that is worth exploring further.