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Home › Baby Names Directory › Harris

Harris

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAIR-is /ˈhær.ɪs/Low

Meaning: Son of Harry; son of the heirLow

In 30 seconds: Harris is an English and Scottish surname meaning son of Harry, from the medieval given name Harry (a form of Henry meaning ruler of the home). As a given name it has a preppy, distinguished quality.
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Origin LowEnglish, Scottish
MeaningSon of Harry; son of the heir
U.S. rank (2025)#1300 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births150 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 16,472

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Harris derives from the English and Scottish surname Harris meaning son of Harry, a medieval form of Henry from Old High German Heimrich meaning ruler of the home. As a given name it has been used in English-speaking countries.

Harris has a preppy, WASP quality in the United States and a warm Scottish heritage connection. It is used as a given name particularly in the American South and in families with Scottish heritage.

Did you know? Harry — from which Harris derives — is the medieval English pronunciation of Henry, the name of eight English kings. Harris as son of Harry thus carries royal genealogical weight: it literally means son of the one who rules the home.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Harris

Variations

HarrisonHarrisHaris

Nicknames

Harr

Famous Bearers

  • ★Harris Yulin (1937-2025)
    American character actor seen in Scarface, Ghostbusters II, Clear and Present Danger and Training Day (given name Harris)

If you like Harris…

Harrison— Extended -son form of same name
Fletcher— Scottish/English surname name of same tradition
Winston— English surname name of same distinguished quality
Callum— Scottish name of same heritage

Explore names like Harris

By themeenglishsurname-nameclassictwo-syllablescottishpreppy

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Frequently Asked

What does Harris mean?

Harris means son of Harry from the English surname, where Harry is a medieval form of Henry meaning ruler of the home.

Is Harris a Scottish name?

Harris has both English and Scottish heritage and is commonly used in Scottish communities.

How do you pronounce Harris?

Harris is pronounced HAIR-is with two syllables.

What names are similar to Harris?

Similar surname names include Harrison, Fletcher, and Winston.

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