Origin & Meaning of the Harris Surname
What does the last name Harris mean?
The surname Harris carries the meaning "Son of Harris." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 624,252 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Harris ranks as the #25 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Harris come from?
The Harris surname has its roots in English/Welsh heritage. Names of English/Welsh origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Harris name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Harris trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Harris |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Harris |
| Origin | English/Welsh |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #25 |
| US Count (2010) | 624,252 |
| Per 100K People | 211.63 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Harris
According to the US Census, the Harris surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 624,252 Americans with the Harris last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 51.4% |
| Black | 42.39% |
| Hispanic | 2.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.8% |
Popularity of Harris Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Harris surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Harris surname increased by 30,710 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English/Welsh Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Welsh roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Welsh origin as Harris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harris
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