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Harrison

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAIR-ih-sun /ˈhɛr.ɪ.sən/High

Meaning: Son of Harry; Harry is a medieval English form of Henry, from Old High German heim (home) + ric (ruler)High

In 30 seconds: An English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Harry,' where Harry is a medieval form of Henry meaning 'ruler of the home.' Borne by two U.S. presidents, Harrison carries a natural presidential gravitas.
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Origin HighOld English, Old High German
MeaningSon of Harry; Harry is a medieval English form of Henry, from Old High German heim (home) + ric (ruler)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 73,822

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Harrison is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Harry.' Harry is a medieval English pet form of Henry, from the Old High German Heimrich, meaning 'ruler of the home.'

As a first name Harrison has been used in the United States since the 19th century, partly in honor of the presidential Harrisons. It entered the top 100 boys' names in the 21st century.

Did you know? Two U.S. presidents shared this surname — William Henry Harrison (9th) and his grandson Benjamin Harrison (23rd) — making Harrison one of only two presidential surnames to yield two occupants of the White House.

Variations

HarrisHarry

Nicknames

HarryHarrisHarri

Famous Bearers

  • ★William Henry Harrison (1773–1841)
    9th President of the United States, who served the shortest term of any president.
  • ★Harrison Ford (1942–)
    American actor known for Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

If you like Harrison…

Jackson— presidential surname name with the same American historical gravitas
Lincoln— presidential surname name with the same dignified American presidential feel
Jameson— -son surname name with the same three-syllable patrician American character
Colton— sturdy American -ton name with the same heritage feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Harrison mean?

Harrison is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Harry,' where Harry is a form of Henry meaning 'ruler of the home.'

How do you pronounce Harrison?

It is said HAIR-ih-sun /ˈhɛr.ɪ.sən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Harrison a boy or girl name?

Harrison is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Harrison?

Harrison has been climbing the U.S. charts and now ranks in the top 100 boys' names.