Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Harris
BoyEnglish, Scottish· “son of Harry”
- Meaning
- son of Harry
- Origin
- English, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- HEH-rihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,300
- US babies 2025
- 150
- Best rank
- #316 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Harris
Harris is an English and Scottish name that means “son of Harry”.
Harris is an English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Harry," with Harry being the medieval English form of Henry. Henry comes from Germanic elements meaning "home" and "ruler." The surname shares its spelling with the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, known for its handwoven Harris Tweed, though the island's name has a different origin. As a given name, Harris has a classic, gentlemanly feel and a friendly sound. Pronounced HEH-rihs, it is easy to spell and say. Harry and Haz are nicknames. Harris suits parents who want a traditional surname name with a warm, approachable character.
Popularity over time
Harris has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 96 different years. Its best national rank was #316 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 245 were named Harris. In 2025, 150 babies were named Harris, and it ranked #1,300 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #396 in 1920, #511 in 1950, #1,363 in 1980, #1,079 in 2000, #1,445 in 2010, and #1,300 in 2025. Of the 16,472 US boys named Harris since records began, 14% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,710 babies. Since 2010, 2,792 more have been named Harris.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Winfred, Mervin, Harding, Milford, and Cletus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Harris ranked highest in Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #494 | 10 |
| Mississippi | #558 | 5 |
| Arkansas | #588 | 5 |
| Missouri | #675 | 8 |
| Kentucky | #747 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Harris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Harris is usually pronounced HEH-rihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Harris
A few middle names that flow with Harris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Harris
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Lists that include Harris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harris mean?
Harris is an English and Scottish name that means “son of Harry”.
What is the origin of the name Harris?
Harris has English and Scottish roots. Harris is an English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Harry," with Harry being the medieval English form of Henry.
Is Harris a popular name?
Not especially. Harris ranked #1,300 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Harris a boy or girl name?
Harris is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Harris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Harris?
Harris is usually pronounced HEH-rihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings