Origin & Meaning of the Morris Surname
What does the last name Morris mean?
The surname Morris carries the meaning "From the Latin Mauritius meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish'." It is derived from the Latin language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 318,884 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Morris ranks as the #62 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Morris come from?
The Morris surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/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 Morris name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Morris trace back to Latin. 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 | Morris |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Latin Mauritius meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish' |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Latin |
| US Rank (2010) | #62 |
| US Count (2010) | 318,884 |
| Per 100K People | 108.1 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Morris
According to the US Census, the Morris surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 318,884 Americans with the Morris last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.59% |
| Black | 20.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.98% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Morris Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Morris surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Morris surname increased by 7,130 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Morris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morris
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