Harris (surname)

• Haris - common in Bosnia, mythological Greek Χαρις (Kharis), which means "Grace" [2] or an origin of the Arabic name Haris, which means "Lion" or "Guardian".
• Harish - (Hindu) a common first name, a combination of Hari and Ishwar, meaning Vishnu the God that absorbs (removes) trouble
• Harries - common in West Wales
• Harris - most common spelling originated in East Wales, most of England and some of Scotland
• Harriss - originated in pockets of England, namely West Berkshire, West Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire & Northamptonshire
• Harrys - uncommon
• Harys - rare
• Heriz - medieval spelling of the name, first found in France and also found in Spain
• Herrice - a French spelling
• Herries - a Scottish spelling
• Ó'hEarchadha - an Irish spelling

Often, the Harris surname appears to be a patronymic surname of British origin, representing "son of Harry". It was commonly adopted as a surname in south western England, the Midlands, Essex and Wales. As with other similar names it was adopted by most families in England between 1300 and 1400, and later in Wales and Scotland. Very few families used the name prior to 1300.

Some other Harris families originated in Germany, France, Ireland etc., and adopted the name Harris upon immigration to Britain or America.

Irish Harris families probably originate from England, Wales and Scotland and arrived in Ireland during the plantation of Ulster c. 1609. In some cases, particularly in families coming from County Mayo in Connacht, Harris can be an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó'hEarchadha meaning noble warrior.

Harrises also began to emigrate to Canada and America in the 17th century, to Australia and New Zealand in the 18th century and to South Africa in the 19th century. Initial numbers of emigrants were small and it was not until the last half of the 19th century that large numbers of Harrises emigrated from Britain.