Harris is a name of English origin, derived from the Old German given name Heribert or Haribert. The name means "bright" or "famous army." It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The name Harris has a long history of usage in Britain and was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages. Some notable figures with the name Harris include Sir Harry Harris, a 17th-century English pirate, and Harris Tweed, a famous brand of Scottish wool fabric named after the island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Today, Harris is still used as both a first name and a surname throughout the English-speaking world. Despite its historical usage, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names such as John or William. However, it has gained some popularity recently, particularly among parents seeking unique yet traditional names for their children.
In terms of pronunciation, Harris is typically pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by two syllables: "HAR-is." The name can also be spelled without the final "s," although this spelling is less common. Overall, Harris is an interesting and historic name with a strong meaning and an appealing sound.
The name Harris has a long and interesting history when it comes to its usage as a given name in the United States. According to the data provided, the name Harris first appeared in the late 19th century with 18 births recorded in 1880. The number of births fluctuated significantly during this period, ranging from a low of 11 births in 1901 to a high of 38 births in 1908.
However, it was not until the early 20th century that Harris started to gain more popularity. In 1911, there were 51 births with the name Harris, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued throughout the decade, reaching a peak of 245 births in 1921.
The 1930s and 1940s saw a slight decrease in the popularity of the name Harris, but it remained relatively stable with around 150-180 births per year. It is worth noting that during World War II (1941-1945), there was an increase in births with the name Harris, possibly due to its association with the president at the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose full name was Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
After the war, the popularity of the name Harris continued to fluctuate but remained relatively stable throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with around 70-120 births per year. However, starting from the late 1960s, there was a significant decline in the number of births with the name Harris, reaching an all-time low of 48 births in 1980.
Interestingly, despite its decline in popularity as a given name, the name Harris continued to be used in various forms throughout history. For instance, it has been used as a surname for many prominent families and individuals, such as the Harris family of Virginia, who played a significant role in American politics during the 19th century.
Moreover, the name Harris has also been used as a middle name or part of a compound name, such as Harrisburg (a city in Pennsylvania) or Harris Tweed (a type of cloth).
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Harris as a given name. According to the data provided, there were 214 births with the name Harris in 2020 and 218 births in 2021, indicating that it is once again gaining favor among parents.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Harris has fluctuated over time, its usage as a given name in the United States dates back to at least the late 19th century. Despite periods of decline, the name Harris continues to be used today and has even seen a recent increase in popularity.