Orris

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Orris

Pronounced OR-iss /ˈɔːr.ɪs/Medium

Meaning: Orris is an early-American given name of uncertain root: it may be a worn-down form of Horace or a variant of Orin/Orrin, and it also coincides with 'orris root', the fragrant iris root used in perfume, though the personal name is unlikely to derive from it.Low

In 30 seconds: Orris is an early-1900s American name, likely from Horace or Orin (said 'OR-iss').

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Origin LowAmerican, English

MeaningOrris is an early-American given name of uncertain root: it may be a worn-down form of Horace or a variant of Orin/Orrin, and it also coincides with 'orris root', the fragrant iris root used in perfume, though the personal name is unlikely to derive from it.

U.S. rank (2022)#13803 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 939

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Orris is a vintage American name whose thread is uncertain. It may be a clipped form of Horace or a cousin of Orin and Orrin; it also happens to match 'orris root', the fragrant iris used in perfumery, though the name almost certainly comes from the personal names rather than the plant.

It was always scarce, peaking around 1918 at a few dozen boys a year and dwindling afterward. It reads as a First-World-War-era antique and has not shared in the recent revival of old names.

Did you know? Orris was a name of the early-twentieth century, cresting around 1918 at only a few dozen boys a year before fading.

Overall data confidence 48%

References — Orris — early-American; likely Horace/Orin, uncertain

Variations

OrinOrrinHorace

Nicknames

Ory

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Orris…

Orrin— a likely relative of the same name

Morris— same vintage two-syllable -is sound

Horace— a plausible fuller source of the name

Otis— another early-1900s short boy's name of the era

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Orris mean?

Orris is an early-American name, likely a variant of Horace or Orin, and echoing the fragrant 'orris root'.

How do you pronounce Orris?

It's said OR-iss /ˈɔːr.ɪs/ — two syllables.

Is Orris a boy or girl name?

Orris is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Orris?

Orris was always rare and is a genuine early-twentieth-century antique, scarce since mid-century.