Harris Surname

The Origins of the Surname Harris

The surname Harris is of English and Welsh origin, deriving from the personal name Harry, which itself is a pet form of Henry. The name Henry is of Germanic origin, coming from the Old German name Haimric, which means "home ruler." The surname Harris is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the personal name of an ancestor.

In England, the surname Harris is most commonly found in the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. In Wales, the surname is particularly associated with the counties of Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Caernarfonshire. The distribution of the surname Harris in both England and Wales reflects the historical migration patterns of the population.

Migration Patterns of the Harris Surname

Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Harris have migrated to various parts of the world, leading to the spread of the surname beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. The United States has the highest incidence of the surname Harris, with over 761,000 individuals carrying the name. This can be attributed to the significant migration of British settlers to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In addition to the United States, the surname Harris is also prevalent in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. The surname has also spread to countries with historical ties to the British Empire, such as Jamaica, Ireland, and India.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Harris

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Harris have made significant contributions in various fields. One notable figure is Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Kamala Harris is the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American Vice President in American history.

Another prominent individual with the surname Harris is Neil Patrick Harris, an American actor, comedian, and magician. Known for his roles in television shows such as "How I Met Your Mother" and "Doogie Howser, M.D.," Neil Patrick Harris has won multiple awards for his performances.

Variant Spellings of the Harris Surname

Like many surnames, the surname Harris has variant spellings that have arisen over time. Some common variations of the surname include Harrison, Harryson, Harries, and Herries. These variations may have developed due to regional accents, phonetic spelling, or clerical errors in historical records.

Despite the different spellings, individuals bearing these variations of the surname can often trace their ancestry back to a common origin. Genealogical research and DNA testing have made it easier for individuals with variant spellings of the Harris surname to connect with their relatives and uncover their family history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Harris is a common surname of English and Welsh origin that has spread to various parts of the world. With over 761,000 individuals carrying the surname in the United States alone, the name Harris has a rich history and diverse lineage. From the migration patterns of the population to the famous individuals who bear the surname, the Harris name continues to be a prominent and respected surname in many countries.

The surname Harris into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Harris, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Harris is greater than in other countries.

The map of this Harris surname

View Harris surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Harris in the world, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we are able to begin to see the tangible amount of people because of the surname Harris, to obtain in this manner the precise information of all Harris that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to comprehend not only in which the surname Harris comes from, but also in what way the individuals who are initially the main family that bears the surname Harris have moved and moved. In the same manner, you can see by which places they've settled and developed, and that's why if Harris is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of this world it's possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Harris in the world

  1. United States United States (761684)
  2. England England (131595)
  3. Australia Australia (46772)
  4. Canada Canada (32408)
  5. South Africa South Africa (22598)
  6. Liberia Liberia (20795)
  7. Wales Wales (12993)
  8. Jamaica Jamaica (9232)
  9. New Zealand New Zealand (6383)
  10. Mozambique Mozambique (5862)
  11. Scotland Scotland (4478)
  12. Ireland Ireland (2688)
  13. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (2175)
  14. Indonesia Indonesia (1953)
  15. Guyana Guyana (1723)