What does Harris mean and where does it come from?
Originally a surname derived from the given name Harry, which is a medieval form of Henry. Over time, Harris has become used as a first name, particularly in the United States. Its first recorded use as a given name can be traced back to the late 19th century. The name may be more commonly associate
Cultural significance
Harris has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of harry.
Peak popularity
Reached #3211 in 1914 — currently #1166 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Harris?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Harris?
Harris works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Harris Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Harris Rose
Floral · soft ending
Harris Mae
Sweet · timeless
Harris Claire
French influence · crisp
Harris Jane
Literary · strong
Harris Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Harris right now?
Rising — up 6 spots — currently #1166 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1166 | 177 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1172 | 174 | ▼ down 172 · -21% births |
| 2021 | #1000 | 219 | ▲ up 7892 · +1891% births |
| 2020 | #8892 | 11 | ▲ up 4108 · +57% births |
| 2015 | #13000 | 7 | — |
The story of Harris
Harris entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 15,751 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13000 in 2015 to #1166 in 2023. Harris is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Harris in 1914:
Harris by decade
Harris peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 187 | |
| 1890s | 231 | |
| 1900s | 270 | |
| 1910s | 1,451 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,232 | |
| 1930s | 1,629 | |
| 1940s | 1,667 | |
| 1950s | 1,362 | |
| 1960s | 793 | |
| 1970s | 649 | |
| 1980s | 743 | |
| 1990s | 1,167 | |
| 2000s | 1,373 | |
| 2010s | 1,773 | |
| 2020s | 224 | |
What are good nicknames for Harris?
What names sound and feel like Harris?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Harris also consider these
Common questions about the name Harris
What does the name Harris mean?
Harris means "Son of Harry" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Harris?
Harris is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Harris?
Harris originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Harris?
Harris is a two-syllable name pronounced HH AA1 R IY0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Harris a common or rare name?
Harris is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.