Harris

Origin & History

English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Harry', the medieval English form of Henry — from Old High German 'Heimrich', composed of 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (ruler, power) — meaning 'ruler of the home'. Harry was also used interchangeably with Henry among royalty, accounting for the name's high prestige and wide adoption. Harris is particularly common in the West Country and Wales, and is also a major Jewish surname in Britain, adapted from the Hebrew name Hersch.