Harrison

Origin of the Name: Harrison is a common English surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The name is of patronymic origin, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name Harry, a diminutive of Henry. Over time, the name evolved into Harrison, denoting "son of Harry."

History: The Harrison surname has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name was prevalent in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where families bearing the surname played significant roles in local communities. The Harrison name spread throughout England and eventually to other English-speaking countries through migration and colonization.

Notable Bearers:

  • George Harrison (1943-2001): A famous musician and member of the Beatles, George Harrison was known for his songwriting talents and contributions to the band's success.
  • William Henry Harrison (1773-1841): The 9th President of the United States, William Henry Harrison was a military officer and politician.
  • Rex Harrison (1908-1990): A renowned English actor known for his roles on stage and screen, including his portrayal of Professor Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady."

Modern Usage: Today, the surname Harrison remains a common and widely recognized name, not only in England but also in countries with English-speaking populations. It often carries with it a sense of heritage and tradition, linking individuals to their English roots.

Variants: Variants of the Harrison surname include Harris, Harryson, Harrisson, and Fitzharry, each reflecting different historical spellings and regional variations.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1995.
  • Hanks, P., and Hodges, F. A Dictionary of Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1988.

There are approximately 120,610 people named Harrison in the UK. That makes it the 38th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,852 in a million people in Britain are named Harrison.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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