Morrison is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old French word "more" meaning "big" or "large," and the Gaelic word "sonn" meaning "son." Therefore, Morrison literally translates to "big son." The name was originally given as a nickname to someone who was the eldest son in his family. The surname has been widespread in Scotland since the Middle Ages and is particularly common in the southwestern region of the country.
The first recorded instance of the surname Morrison is believed to be in the 13th century, when Adam de Morresoun was listed as living in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged for the name, including Morrisoun, Morrisone, and Morisson.
Today, Morrison is not only a popular Scottish surname but also a given name used by both boys and girls. It has been used as a first name since at least the 19th century, with some notable bearers of the name including American musician Jim Morrison, best known as the lead singer of The Doors, and British-American actor James Morrison.
In summary, Morrison is a Scottish surname that originated as a nickname given to the eldest son in a family. Its literal translation is "big son," reflecting its Old French and Gaelic roots. While it has traditionally been used as a surname, Morrison has also been employed as a given name for both boys and girls since at least the 19th century.
The name Morrison has been given to a total of 1,785 babies born in the United States between the years 1911 and 2023, as per the data provided.
Throughout the decades, there have been fluctuations in the popularity of this name. In the early years (1911-1923), the number of births with the name Morrison was relatively low, ranging from 7 to 25 births per year. However, starting from the late 1930s, there was a noticeable increase in its usage.
The most significant growth occurred between 2005 and 2014, with over 60 births each year during this period. In fact, Morrison peaked at an impressive 81 births in 2015. Although the number of newborns named Morrison has since decreased slightly, it remains relatively popular, with 66 births recorded in 2022 and 50 in 2023.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of a name can ebb and flow over time, reflecting societal trends and personal preferences. The statistics for the name Morrison demonstrate that while it may not have been one of the most popular choices in the early 20th century, it has certainly gained momentum in recent years, becoming a well-recognized and beloved name among parents in the United States.