What does Morris mean and where does it come from?
Morris, while often recognized as a male name, has also been adapted as a female name. It is derived from the Latin name 'Maurus,' which means 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' The name has Anglo-Norman origins and became popular in medieval England. Variants of Morris include Morrice and more recently,
Cultural significance
Morris has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark-skinned.
Peak popularity
Reached #1805 in 1911 — currently #1643 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Morris?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Morris?
Morris works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Morris Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Morris Rose
Floral · soft ending
Morris Mae
Sweet · timeless
Morris Claire
French influence · crisp
Morris Jane
Literary · strong
Morris Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Morris right now?
Rising fast — up 154 spots — currently #1643 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1643 | 105 | ▲ up 154 · +15% births |
| 2022 | #1797 | 91 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1810 | 87 | ▲ up 5774 · +988% births |
| 1985 | #7584 | 8 | ▼ down 150 |
| 1980 | #7434 | 8 | ▲ up 585 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #8019 | 5 | ▼ down 4495 · -62% births |
| 1960 | #3524 | 13 | ▲ up 1234 · +86% births |
| 1955 | #4758 | 7 | ▼ down 1320 · -30% births |
| 1950 | #3438 | 10 | ▼ down 501 |
| 1945 | #2937 | 10 | ▲ up 288 · +25% births |
| 1940 | #3225 | 8 | ▼ down 904 · -38% births |
| 1935 | #2321 | 13 | ▲ up 751 · +44% births |
| 1930 | #3072 | 9 | ▲ up 63 · -10% births |
| 1925 | #3135 | 10 | ▼ down 534 · -23% births |
| 1920 | #2601 | 13 | — |
The story of Morris
Morris entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. A total of 71,016 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2911 in 1915 to #1643 in 2023. Morris is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Morris in 1911:
Morris by decade
Morris peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 895 | |
| 1890s | 1,234 | |
| 1900s | 2,059 | |
| 1910s | 12,549 | |
| 1920s ★ | 14,247 | |
| 1930s | 9,201 | |
| 1940s | 8,879 | |
| 1950s | 8,393 | |
| 1960s | 5,392 | |
| 1970s | 2,809 | |
| 1980s | 1,980 | |
| 1990s | 1,287 | |
| 2000s | 994 | |
| 2010s | 999 | |
| 2020s | 98 | |
What are good nicknames for Morris?
What names sound and feel like Morris?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Morris also consider these
How is Morris written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Morris
What does the name Morris mean?
Morris means "dark-skinned" — a name rooted in England 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 Morris?
Morris is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Morris have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Morris?
Morris originates from England tradition. England 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 Morris?
Morris is a two-syllable name pronounced M AO1 R AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Morris trending right now?
Morris is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.