Harris is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Hárrissí, which consists of two elements: hárr meaning "high" or "noble," and rissí meaning "spear." Therefore, Harris can be interpreted as meaning "noble spear" or "high warrior." This name has been in use since medieval times, although its popularity has fluctuated over the centuries.
Harris was first recorded as a given name in England during the 13th century. It was typically used as a nickname for someone with the surname Harris, which was an occupational name for someone who worked at a fortified building or castle. However, over time, Harris evolved from being primarily a surname to becoming a popular given name.
In literature and history, there are several notable individuals named Harris. One of the most famous is Richard Harris, the Irish actor known for his roles in films like "A Man for All Seasons" and "Camelot." Additionally, Harris was the birth name of the American rapper and music producer Andre Benjamin, better known by his stage name André 3000.
Today, Harris remains a popular given name for boys. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Harris has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for boys since the 1980s, with its popularity fluctuating over time. In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity, ranking as high as number 364 in 2020.
In conclusion, Harris is an English name with an intriguing history and meaning. Its origins trace back to medieval times, with the name evolving from an Old Norse personal name to a popular given name over centuries. With its strong and noble connotations, it's no surprise that Harris continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their sons.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Harris has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1914 with 6 babies named Harris, followed by peaks in 1917 and 1998 with 7 births each.
There was a notable increase in popularity from 2013 onwards, with consistent numbers of babies named Harris each year. This trend continued up until 2022, indicating that the name Harris has maintained its relevance as a popular choice among parents over time.
Over the entire period from 1914 to 2022, there were a total of 171 births registered with the name Harris in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have been one of the most popular names at any given year, it has remained steadily present and continues to be chosen for newborns even today.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name Harris seems to have seen a recent uptick, with 12 births recorded in 2021 and 6 in 2022. This suggests that there might be a renewed interest or trend towards this name among parents in recent years. However, further data would be needed to confirm this trend and understand its causes.
In conclusion, these statistics illustrate the enduring presence of the name Harris in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in popularity but overall consistent choice as a baby name.