Origin & Meaning of the Harrison Surname
What does the last name Harrison mean?
The surname Harrison carries the meaning "Son of Harri." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 181,091 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Harrison ranks as the #141 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Harrison come from?
The Harrison surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Harrison name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Harrison trace back to Old 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 | Harrison |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Harri |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #141 |
| US Count (2010) | 181,091 |
| Per 100K People | 61.39 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Harrison
According to the US Census, the Harrison surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 181,091 Americans with the Harrison last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.66% |
| Black | 24.45% |
| Hispanic | 2.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 1.39% |
| Two or More Races | 2.27% |
Popularity of Harrison Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Harrison surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Harrison surname increased by 5,514 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harrison
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