Norris is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Hrori, which is composed of the elements hroth 'fame' and hari 'army'. The name was brought to England by the Vikings during their invasions and settlements in the British Isles.
The name Norris has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. One of the earliest records of the name appears in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Walter filius Noris is listed in Cambridgeshire, England. Throughout history, the name has remained relatively rare but can be found in various parts of the world.
The most well-known figure with the surname Norris is Sir John Norris, an Irish soldier and politician who served as Governor of County Cork during the 16th century. He was known for his military prowess and played a significant role in the English conquest of Ireland.
In literature, the name Norris appears in Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," where Mr. Noah Claypole refers to himself as "Norris, that's my name."
Today, Norris is still used as both a given name and a surname, with its usage varying by region. It remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for an uncommon but historically significant name for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Norris in the United States from 1902 to 1985. Over this period of time, there was a total of 523 babies named Norris.
Looking at the data, we can see that the popularity of the name Norris has fluctuated over the years. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1933, with 22 births recorded that year. This peak may have been influenced by cultural trends or other factors specific to that time period.
However, it's important to note that these statistics only represent a small fraction of all births in the United States during this time frame. For example, in 1970 alone, there were approximately 3 million babies born in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, even at its peak popularity, Norris was still not one of the most common names given to newborns.
In recent decades, it seems that the name Norris has become less popular. Between 1985 and 2020, for instance, there were fewer than 5 births with this name each year in the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This decrease could be due to shifting naming trends or other societal changes.
Overall, while Norris may not have been a highly popular name throughout history, it has nonetheless remained a part of American naming culture for over a century. Understanding these kinds of statistics can provide insights into how language and identity evolve across generations.