Origins of the Harris surname
What does the name Harris mean?
The origin of the surname Harris is British and Irish. It's the 23rd most common name in England, and the 21st most common in the United States of America. The surname Harris denotes a 'son of Harry/Henry', and originated mostly in the 1300s. In Ireland (particularly in county Mayo), Harris can be an English form of the Gaelic 'OhEarchadha', but most often originates from the plantation of Ulster and the arrival of settlers from the British mainland.
Alternative variations of the name Harris
Harris, Harries, Haris, Haries, Harrys
Start your family history journey
Start free trial
Start your family tree
Trace your family back in time. Make new discoveries and see what other Findmypast family historians in our genealogy community have discovered about the Harrises.
Sign up to get startedDelve deeper into the Harris family's history
Interesting facts about Harris
How common is your surname?
25th most common surname in the UK
Who were Harrises most likely to marry?
What are the most common Harris first names?
John
William
Mary
Elizabeth
Common jobs for Harrises
Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.
Common female occupations for Harrises in 1921
Dressmaker
3,708
Laundress
2,495
Domestic Servant
2,069
General Servant Domestic
1,924
General Servant
1,507
Common male occupations for Harrises in 1921
Agricultural Labourer
3,730
General Labourer
3,188
Coal Miner
2,819
Carpenter
2,522
Tailor
2,136
Learn more about the lives of Harris family members
Share your discoveries
Look for a different surname
Find out more about your family in our records